NFL Power Rankings Week 11: Why New England Patriots Are Ready to Roll

Gabe ZaldivarNov 16, 2011

The New England Patriots are not having the best go of things right now. Trust me, there is plenty to worry about this team in regards to a Super Bowl run. But as far as getting back on track in the win department, that is right around the corner.

I am not the least bit shocked by the losses the Patriots have been dealt. Their problems on defense are extreme and will haunt them well into the playoffs if not addressed.

However, this team is ready to pick off a number of teams as was evident in their gritty win over the New York Jets.

That win was a breath of fresh air for a team that was slipping well into mediocrity. The Jets game showed how easy life can be when the Patriots play more consistent defense in the secondary.

Tom Brady and company are going to get theirs on offense. There is no questioning how prolific the Patriots can be in that regard.

What does bother me is the lack of a shutdown player willing to put forth an effort every week. That will be the issues to rear its ugly head as the Patriots play nail biters in the playoffs, and I am assuring a playoff bid and the division.

The rest of the schedule reads like a dream for this type of team. The Patriots are recommitted to both sides of the ball, which makes their game against the Chiefs a no-brainer pick.

That is when we come to the Eagles that are imploding at the moment. There is no telling what kind of form the supposed Dream Team will be in, or if they will be up to the task as a unit to take on a monster squad like the Patriots.

After that, it's Colts, Redskins, Broncos, Dolphins and Bills. That looks like four wins with the only tough game coming against a Bills team that is sputtering at the moment.

Worry about the Patriots defense, but not about the win column. That will be just fine by season's end.

Gabe Zaldivar's Week 11 NFL Power Rankings
1. Green Bay Packers
2. San Francisco 49ers
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
4. New Orleans Saints
5. Baltimore Ravens
6. Chicago Bears
7. New York Giants
8. New England Patriots
9. Houston Texans
10. Detroit Lions
11. Cincinnati Bengals
12. Atlanta Falcons
13. Dallas Cowboys
14. New York Jets
15. Tennessee Titans
16. Oakland Raiders
17. Buffalo Bills
18. San Diego Chargers
19. Denver Broncos
20. Kansas City Chiefs
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
22. Philadelphia Eagles
23. Arizona Cardinals
24. Seattle Seahawks
25. Jacksonville Jaguars
26. Washington Redskins
27. Minnesota Vikings
28. Cleveland Browns
29. Miami Dolphins
30. St. Louis Rams
31. Carolina Panthers
32. Indianapolis Colts