NFL Power Rankings Week 6: Where Did ESPN Go Wrong?

Well, it's the end of Week 5 in the National Football League and that means only one thing.

No, not that Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Caldwell is having another mental breakdown.

It's time to dissect ESPN's Power Rankings for Week 6, of course!

While I've been known to have several qualms with ESPN's rankings in the past, this week I actually think the folks from Bristol got things right for the most part.

It's hard to believe the Jets, Bears, Falcons and Eagles are at numbers 17, 18, 19 and 21 in the rankings, but it's also not hard to believe given, well, they've been pretty awful so far.

The primary problem I have with ESPN's rankings this week is that they've given the Seattle Seahawks way too much credit for their victory in Week 5, placing them at No. 22 overall.

Yes, defeating the New York Giants in the past would have been a feat, but this isn't the same Giants team as before, particularly because of all the the injuries to the defense. Quarterbacks Tarvaris Jackson and Charlie Whitehurst combined for 315 yards passing and two touchdowns on Sunday, but are we really buying that they are quarterbacks capable of that week in and week out? No, we are not.

The Seahawks are 2-3, with a better record than some teams ESPN placed below them, but I also don't think records mean everything. They won by three points against the Arizona Cardinals before defeating the Giants. Not exactly something to boast.

The Seahawks' pass defense is still bad, ranked 24th in passing yards allowed and they only have eight sacks on the season, near the bottom of the league. I'm not saying the Seahawks are one of the worst teams in the league, but I also think placing them at No. 22 is a bit too reactionary.

Beyond that, my only minor qualm is the Arizona Cardinals being ranked ahead of the Miami Dolphins.

The Cardinals had the talent to win the division this year, but they've gone and blown that all up. An offense that was supposed to be much better under Kevin Kolb is averaging less than 20 points per game and the young pass defense is clearly going through some growing pains.

As for the Dolphins, yes, I know they're 0-4 now, but they played the Patriots, Texans and Chargers tough and they lost by one measly point against the Browns. I'm not saying they're a good team by any means, but I do believe in them more than the Cardinals at this point. They've shown me more so far than the Cardinals have.

Well, that's it for this week, folks. Your comments and questions are appreciated.