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Power Ranking NFL Teams Through Week 3

By (Correspondent) on August 30, 2011

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SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 02:  Quarterback Charlie Whitehurst #6 of the Seattle Seahawks rushes against the Oakland Raiders at CenturyLink Field on September 2, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

Game 3 of the preseason saw the intensity turned up for the starters to give coaches and coordinators a last look at position battles and scheme adjustments. Roster cuts have already been decided for most teams, regardless if those players have been cut yet.

Not much fine-tuning will take place Week 4 of the preseason, so here's how the league stacks up.

32. Kansas City Chiefs

KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 26: Ricky Stanzi #13 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks to pass against the St. Louis Rams during a preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium  on August 26, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri.  The Rams beat the Chiefs 14-10.  (Photo by Dilip V
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

The entire preseason for the Chiefs has been the same story. What Todd Haley takes out of this game is that he most likely found a good quarterback in the fifth round in Ricky Stanzi. The could-be backup went 8-of-14 with 121 yards and a score.

Other than that, Chiefs fans, close your eyes until the regular season.

31. San Francisco 49ers

SAN FRANCISCO - AUGUST 27: Chris Culliver #29 of the San Francisco 49ers returning a kick off gets tackled by Shiloh Keo #31 of the Houston Texans during an NFL pre-season football game at Candlestick Park August 27, 2011 in San Francisco, California. The
Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

The only positive thing for the team on offense is that Kendall Hunter is a keeper. The two quarterbacks combined went 8-of-22 with 67 yards and two interceptions.

The defense allowed 30 points as well.

30. Carolina Panthers

CINCINNATI, OH - AUGUST 25: Thomas Howard #53 of the Cincinnati Bengals defends a pass intended for Jonathan Stewart #28 of the Carolina Panthers during an NFL preseason game at Paul Brown Stadium on August 25, 2011 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Bengals won 24
Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Cam Newton had a terrible game, with his powder toss celebration of scoring a touchdown summing up how bad it was. With that said, at least Newton has the ability to escape what he cannot handle in the pocket, unlike Jimmy Clausen.

Armanti Edwards whiffed on a punt catch while the defense made Cincinnati's offense look respectable for the first time during the entire season.

The only player who had multiple catches for the Panthers was Jeremy Shockey, which is not surprising because Newton seems to only be able to find tight ends.

29. Seattle Seahawks

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 27:  Von Miller #58 and Elvis Dumervil #92 of the Denver Broncos hit Tavaris Jackson #7 of the Seattle Seahawks as he throws a pass during the preseason game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on August 27, 2011 in Denver, Colorado
Garrett Ellwood/Getty Images

Tarvaris Jackson has played so poorly that Pete Carroll kept him in until the fourth quarter. Marshawn Lynch will need to come back healthy so Seattle has a thumper in its backfield unlike what Leon Washington and Justin Forsett present.

Doug Baldwin had a 105-yard touchdown return in this near special teams-extinct world.

28. Cincinnati Bengals

CINCINNATI, OH - AUGUST 25: A.J. Green #18 of the Cincinnati Bengals keeps his balance to score a touchdown on a 40-yard reception during an NFL preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at Paul Brown Stadium on August 25, 2011 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The
Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Andy Dalton had his first impressive game and Cedric Benson showed that he may be able to help the rookie quarterback out, rushing for 68 yards and a touchdown. A.J. Green caught a 40-yard score as he continues to look like he's the real deal. It's premature, but maybe Atlanta shouldn't have valued Julio Jones and his 40 time over the former Bulldog.

Mike Zimmer can take nothing away defensively as the opposing quarterbacks are and were terrible.

27. Jacksonville Jaguars

ORCHARD PARK, NY - AUGUST 27:  DuJuan Harris #40 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on August 27, 2011 in Orchard Park, New York .Buffalo won 35-32 in overtime  (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
Rick Stewart/Getty Images

David Garrard is showing nothing in order to keep the starting job and Blaine Gabbert is giving very little to take it. No Maurice Jones-Drew appearance yet. No sacks for Jacksonville, either.

The secondary only looked good against the backups for Buffalo.

26. Oakland Raiders

OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 28: Taiwan Jones #36 of the Oakland Raiders runs twenty two yards for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints in the third quarter during an NFL pre-season football game at the O.co Coliseum August 28, 2011 in Oakland, California.
Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

The Raiders may have found a productive speedster in Taiwan Jones. He had lightning-quick cuts that resulted in yards that should have never been gained. Jason Campbell played alright and that seems to be his ceiling. Derek Hagan looks like the team's best receiver, but that is a week-by-week assumption deal, anyway.

Defensively, the Raiders can't get scorched for 40 points with that style of offense.

25. Indianapolis Colts

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 26: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers gets sacked by Dwight Freeney #93 of the Indianapolis Colts during the first half of an NFL preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 26, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by
Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Curtis Painter showed life with two touchdowns, but it's too late. Kerry Collins will be starting if Peyton Manning isn't good to go, as said by general manager Bill Polian.

The defense was shredded by Aaron Rodgers, but Dwight Freeney recorded two sacks while playing just on passing downs. Their other edge rusher, Robert Mathis, went out with a hamstring injury. Indianapolis will need both men for a middle of the pack defense.

24. Chicago Bears

NASHVILLE, TN - AUGUST 27:  Jake Locker #10 of the Tennessee Titans is sacked by Amobi Okoye #91 of the Chicago Bears during a preseason game at LP Field on August 27, 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee. Tennessee defeated Chicago, 14-13.  (Photo by Grant Halve
Grant Halverson/Getty Images

Roy Williams caught a 17-yard pass. More surprising than that is he didn't do his stupid first-down signal celebration—maybe it was because Jay Cutler's interception went right through his hands on the first play.

Earl Bennett continues to show that while the coaches may not want to trot him out in the starting lineup, he is their best receiver. Amobi Okoye, the castoff from Houston, had a sack.

Maybe one of Chicago's many questionable bust signings will pan out.

23. Tennessee Titans

NASHVILLE, TN - AUGUST 27:  Jake Locker #10 of the Tennessee Titans rolls out on a quarterback keeper against the Chicago Bears during a preseason game at LP Field on August 27, 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee. Tennessee defeated Chicago, 14-13.  (Photo by G
Grant Halverson/Getty Images

The running game finally looked like it missed Chris Johnson. Third-down efficiency was poor at 27 percent, but it was against what is thought to be a good Bears' defense.

A great return of an interception by Michael Griffin.

22. Buffalo Bills

ORCHARD PARK, NY - AUGUST 27: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Buffalo Bills throws against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ralph Wilson Stadium on August 27, 2011 in Orchard Park, New York.  (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
Rick Stewart/Getty Images

The Bills were taking part in the best game Saturday night, yet NFL Network barely updated the game on Around the League. Such is life for Buffalo, but Ryan Fitzpatrick had a 158 quarterback rating while no one was watching. Stevie Johnson caught a bomb from the Harvard product that went 52-yards deep for a score.

The defense did give up 32 points to the Jaguars, but seven of that was on a pick-six thrown by Tyler Thigpen.

21. Atlanta Falcons

PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 27:  Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers tackles Michael Turner #33 of the Atlanta Falcons during a pre-season game on August 27, 2011 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

Matt Ryan attempted 42 passes in the first half against the Steelers. Julio Jones is the most targeted receiver for the entire preseason.

There isn't much to make of Atlanta's offense seeing how they it is specifically working on the air attack, but the defense is another story. The secondary was burned multiple times.

20. New York Giants

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 29:  Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants runs the ball against Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets during their pre season game on August 29, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  (Photo by Jim McI
Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Eli Manning tossed two picks—not a good sign for the new season. The game was ugly all-around. The hurricane should have canceled it from happening in hindsight.

Brandon Jacobs ran well before he was ejected.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 27:  Tightend Nathan Overbay #84 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a fourth quarter touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during a preseason game at Raymond James Stadium on August 27, 2011 in Tampa, Florida.  (Photo by J. Meric/Get
J. Meric/Getty Images

Ten players for the Bucs had rushing attempts against the Dolphins. Da'Quan Bowers had a sack as well as camp standout Josh Johnson, who might start ahead of the rookie. Josh Freeman didn't have an interception but his completion percentage was poor.

Miami's rushing was completely shut down, a good sign for the Bucs, who were in the bottom five against the run last season.

18. Arizona Cardinals

GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 27:  Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the ball on a 80 yard touchdown reception past cornerback Antoine Cason #20 of the San Diego Chargers during the first quarter of the preseason NFL game at th
Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Beanie Wells had a nice 6.3 yards-per-carry average against San Diego's defense. Kevin Kolb and Larry Fitzgerald continue to progress, connecting on an 80-yard bomb. The threat of Fitzgerald works for the offense as there was another significant chunk of yards gained from a pass interference call.

More pass targets need to emerge because the offense can't just be Fitzgerald, Wells or bust.

17. Minnesota Vikings

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 27: Orlando Scandrick #32 of the Dallas Cowboys breaks up a pass intended for Bernard Berrian #87 of the Minnesota Vikings in the first half on August 27, 2011 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by H
Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

Donovan McNabb hooked up with Bernard Berrian for a deep touchdown. Believe it or not, that may be a better sign for Berrian. Minnesota will need wide receivers to step up. Adrian Peterson had nice, consistent runs against the Cowboys defense.

The backup quarterback job appears to be going to Christian Ponder seeing how he and Joe Webb have played similarly and the team has more invested in the former Florida State product.

16. Baltimore Ravens

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 25: Wide receiver Lee Evans #83 of the Baltimore Ravens catches a touchdown pass against defender DeAngelo Hall #23 of the Washington Redskins during the first half of a preason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 25, 2011 in Baltimo
Rob Carr/Getty Images

Joe Flacco threw for two touchdowns, but his foot work isn't great with oncoming pressure. It'll have to be with how the offensive line looks to be. Ray Rice picked up the production, rushing for 72 yards. Lee Evans continued good play, but he showed up to practice afterwards in a walking boot.

Defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano lit up into the unit after allowing an uncharacteristically long touchdown run.

15. Philadelphia Eagles

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 25:  Mike Patterson #98 of the Philadelphia Eagles sacks Colt McCoy #12 of the Cleveland Browns  during their pre season game on August 25, 2011 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Get
Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

The offensive line was terrible against the Browns. Michael Vick was responsible for a sack, not drifting to the left on a boot leg, but the line takes the blame for the other sacks and quarterback hits allowed.

The best sight from the night was Mike Patterson getting a sack, as he still has some medical issues.

14. St. Louis Rams

KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 26: Steven Jackson #39 of the St. Louis Rams rushes past Andy Studebaker #96 of the Kansas City Chiefs during a pre-season game at Arrowhead Stadium  on August 26, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri.  (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Im
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

Steven Jackson ran hard like always for a good game, while Sam Bradford spread the ball evenly to his receiver-by-committee group. Robert Quinn had a sack against a Kansas City team that continues to show nothing while barely playing their main guys.

Not too much to take out of the game other than solidifying what was already known from Steve Spagnuolo's squad.

13. Denver Broncos

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 20:  Linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos in action against the Buffalo Bills at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on August 20, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

Denver's starting quarterback played well, while the coaches continue to toy around with the quarterback lineup. This week they felt like playing Tim Tebow second string without Brady Quinn making an appearance.

John Fox looks to use Willis McGahee near the goal line and on critical short-yardage downs. Von Miller is heating up, although one of his two sacks was against a tight end. While he may not have learned all the tricks of the trade, he certainly appears to be coming along quite well at this point.

12. Miami Dolphins

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 27:  Running back Mossis Madu #32 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is tackled by defenders Tyrone Culver #29, Ryan Baker #90 and Robert Rose #56 of the Miami Dolphins during a preseason game at Raymond James Stadium on August 27, 2011 in Tam
J. Meric/Getty Images

Brandon Marshall and Chad Henne hooked up for a 60-yard catch-and-run by the receiver. The two also had a fumble apiece with Marshall losing his. No sacks or interceptions for the Dolphins' defense, but it still managed to keep the Bucs to 17 points.

Henne had a good showing despite no running game to aid him.

11. New York Jets

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 29:   Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets eludes a sack attempt from Justin Tuck #91 of the New York Giants during their pre season game on August 29, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  (Photo by Jim McI
Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

The defense was good against the pass, interception Eli Manning twice. Mark Sanchez continues to dip-and-dunk, having 64 yards on eight completions.

Brian Schottenheimer called for the Wildcat inside the 20, a move that won't work even if they still had Brad Smith. A condensed field is not the place to attempt it.

10. Dallas Cowboys

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 27: Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball in the first half against the Minnesota Vikings on August 27, 2011 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

Dez Bryant had a phenomenal sideline catch while gathering in five balls for 67 yards. Tony Romo and the offense played well. Anthony Spencer showed production, getting a sack. Rob Ryan will need a dual threat at getting to the quarterback in his system.

9. San Diego Chargers

GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 27:  Quarterback Billy Volek #7 of the San Diego Chargers throws a pass during the preseason NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on August 27, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona.   The Chargers defeated
Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd look to be the most physically intimidating pair of receivers in the game, only if they can actually be on the field at the same time for once. Philip Rivers tossed well as usual.

The secondary was leaky, to say the least, but that shouldn't be a huge problem against the Raiders, Broncos or Chiefs.

8. New Orleans Saints

OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 28:  Marques Colston #12 of the New Orleans Saints is dragged down at the one yard line by Tyvon Branch #33 of the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter during an NFL pre-season football game at the O.co Coliseum August 28, 2011 in Oak
Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Drew Brees and his backup, Chase Daniel, played well against Oakland, with Jimmy Graham showing his potential in this offense out on the field.

The defense had its poor moments against the run and pass, but Gregg Williams could be counted on to clear that up.

7. Cleveland Browns

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 25:  Montario Hardesty #31 of the Cleveland Browns in action against the Philadelphia Eagles during their pre season game on August 25, 2011 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty I
Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Colt McCoy cooled off, but he didn't have a Michael Vick-Pittsburgh Steelers game. Phil Taylor, the team's first-round selection, blew by Philadelphia's first-round offensive linemen for a sack on Vick.

Not many rushing plays for the Browns, but the backs produced when given the opportunity.

6. New England Patriots

DETROIT - AUGUST 27: Cliff Avril #92 of the Detroit Lions sacks Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots during the first quarter of the game at Ford Field on August 27, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan.  (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
Leon Halip/Getty Images

Tom Brady said going into the game that he wanted to get hit, but he couldn't have meant like this. The first unimpressive showing for the Patriots this preseason saw the Lions' defense line dominate up front.

New England couldn't get the ground game working on Detroit either. The secondary was lit up by Matthew Stafford.

Unfortunately, there was injury added to insult with Wes Welker sustaining a neck injury on a tackle.

5. Washington Redskins

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 19:  John Beck #12 of the Washington Redskins celebrates a touchdown 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

DeAngelo Hall returned an interception for a touchdown in style while the pass rush combination of Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan had a sack each. Tim Hightower continued his great preseason with a 37-yard touchdown run.

Zone blitzes from the Redskins were leaky in pass coverages, though, allowing Anquan Boldin to find the seam in the middle. Hall was burned by Lee Evans for a 35-yard, over-the-top touchdown.

John Beck might have thrown an interception, but it was a bootleg to the left and there was only one option. Donte' Stallworth could have fought harder as well.

Until next time, folks, the job is Beck's to blow.

4. Houston Texans

SAN FRANCISCO - AUGUST 27: Arian Foster #23 of the Houston Texans walks off the field holding his hamstring muscle against the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL pre-season football game at Candlestick Park August 27, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Ph
Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Arian Foster tweaked his hamstring, according to coach Gary Kubiak, but it's a huge deal when it happens twice in one preseason.

Ben Tate had another production game and the Texans may need him to follow up in the regular season.

Only one touchdown against the defense, but it was the 49ers.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers

PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 27:  Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates his touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during a pre-season game on August 27, 2011 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

Is it time for Hines Ward to step aside for Antonio Brown? The receiver killed Atlanta's corners on his way to a two-touchdown, 137-yard game. Mike Wallace and Brown would be the fastest pair of receivers next to Philadelphia's.

Lawrence Timmons showed early returns on his new deal, picking off Matt Ryan. Byron Leftwich is likely out for the season with a broken arm, and Dennis Dixon is fragile to begin with.

Charlie Batch could be brought back.

2. Green Bay Packers

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 26: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers throws while under pressure from Jamaal Anderson #90 of the Indianapolis Colts during the first half of an NFL preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 26, 2011 in Indianapolis,
Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Aaron Rodgers was his usual self, but the positive sign was Jermichael Finley bullying Colts' linebacker Pat Angerer for a touchdown grab. Ryan Grant is running with a bounce and he appears to start over playoff hero James Starks.

Clay Matthews got his early sack and didn't see the field much after doing so, but the defense hasn't been impressive. Chad Clifton was a weak spot for the Pack, but he was going against Dwight Freeney.

1. Detroit Lions

DETROIT - AUGUST 27:  Tony Scheffler #85 of the Detroit Lions celebrates with teammate Nate Burleson #13 after scoring a second quarter touchdown during the game against the New England Patriots at Ford Field on August 27, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. The L
Leon Halip/Getty Images

Matthew Stafford continues to try and prove to the league he's the best quarterback in the 2008 draft. Two incompletions with two touchdowns on 200 yards passing sums it up. The backups to Stafford show they are the best group in the game.

Cliff Avril had two sacks while there were many more hits on Tom Brady.

The secondary still needs improvement. The defense made Wes Welker appear to be Randy Moss as he streaked down the field for an easy 44-yard touchdown.

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