Year: 2012

Pittsburgh Steelers: Week 9 NFL Power Rankings (#8)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 9 NFL Power Rankings, Steelers

Last week: 15 (+7)

Record: 4-3

After 2 straight wins, the Steelers are back in the AFC playoff picture at 4-3 and that’s despite Troy Polamalu being out. When he’s in the lineup over the last 3 years, they allow about a touchdown less per game when he’s in there so it’s good news that they’ve been playing well without him. Ben Roethlisberger is quietly having an MVP caliber year, completing 66.8% of his passes for an average of 7.4 YPA, 14 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. The bad news is that they face Eli Manning and the Giants this week and not only with Troy Polamalu not return, they’ve also lost Ryan Clark with a concussion. They did a good job against Robert Griffin last week as Dick LeBeau’s schemes confused yet another rookie, as he’s now 14-1 against rookie quarterbacks. However, Eli Manning is far from one.

Studs

RB Jonathan Dwyer: Rushed for 107 yards (73 after contact) on 17 attempts, 3 broken tackles, caught 1 pass for 8 yards on 1 attempt

QB Ben Roethlisberger: 24 of 33 for 222 yards and 3 touchdowns, 2 hit as thrown, 3 drops, 102.5 adjusted QB rating, pressured on 13 of 35 drop backs (1 scramble, 8 of 12, 2 touchdowns, 2 hit as thrown, 1 drop)

C Maurkice Pouncey: Did not record a pressure on 36 pass block snaps, run blocked for 32 yards on 9 attempts

RG Ramon Foster: Did not record a pressure on 36 pass block snaps, 1 penalty, run blocked for 1 yard on 2 attempts

RT Mike Adams: Allowed 1 quarterback hurry on 36 pass block snaps, run blocked for 1 yard on 1 attempt

CB Keenan Lewis: Allowed 2 catches for 23 yards and a touchdown on 5 attempts, 3 pass deflections, 1 penalty, 1 solo tackle, 1 assist, 1 stop, 1 missed tackle

SS Will Allen: Allowed 1 catch for 31 yards on 5 attempts, 2 pass deflections, 2 quarterback hurries on 4 blitzes, 3 solo tackles, 2 assists

CB Ike Taylor: Allowed 1 catch for 5 yards on 4 attempts, 1 pass deflection, 2 solo tackles, 1 missed tackle

MLB Larry Foote: 1 sack and 2 quarterback hurries on 10 pass rush snaps, 4 solo tackles, 3 stops, allowed 1 catch for 6 yards on 2 attempts

LOLB Lamarr Woodley: 3 quarterback hurries on 16 pass rush snaps, 2 solo tackles, 1 stop, 1 missed tackle

Duds

LE Ziggy Hood: Did not record a pressure on 32 pass rush snaps, 1 solo tackle, 1 assist

RE Brett Keisel: Did not record a pressure on 33 pass rush snaps, 2 solo tackles, 1 assist, 2 stops

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Green Bay Packers: Week 9 NFL Power Rankings (#9)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 9 NFL Power Rankings, Packers

Last week: 13 (+4)

Record: 5-3

I wasn’t impressed with the Packers’ performance last week and they’re awfully banged up, but I’m moving them back into the playoffs for now. Every year, one team goes from a 1st round bye to out of the playoffs. Right now, I have the Ravens as that team, but the Packers are still a candidate. However, they could easily be 7-1 and even at 5-3, they would still be in the playoffs if the season ended today. The NFC no longer seems as daunting overall after a 1-3 week against the AFC (the Packers’ unimpressive win over the Jaguars was the 1), after starting the year 19-9.

Green Bay Packers

Studs

C Jeff Saturday: Did not allow a pressure on 40 pass block snaps, run blocked for 30 yards on 10 attempts

CB Casey Hayward: Allowed 4 catches for 29 yards on 9 attempts, 7 solo tackles, 1 assist, 5 stops

CB Tramon Williams: Allowed 3 catches for 30 yards on 9 attempts, 1 pass deflection, 3 solo tackle, 1 stop

SS Morgan Burnett: Allowed 4 catches for 62 yards on 7 attempts, 1 pass deflection, 7 solo tackle, 1 assist, 6 stop, 1 sack and 1 quarterback hurry on 4 blitzes

Duds

RB Alex Green: Rushed for 54 yards (28 after contact) on 22 carries, 1 broken tackle, caught 4 passes for 28 yards on 6 attempts

FS Jerron McMillian: Allowed 5 catches for 80 yards on 6 attempts, 2 solo tackles, 2 stops, 1 missed tackle

LOLB Erik Walden: Did not record a pressure on 41 pass rush snaps, 1 penalty, 1 solo tackle, 1 stop

NT BJ Raji: Did not record a pressure on 36 pass rush snaps, 2 solo tackles, 2 stops

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Miami Dolphins: Week 8 NFL Power Rankings (#10)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 9 NFL Power Rankings, Dolphins

Last week: 12 (+2)

Record: 4-3

If the season ended today, Miami and Indianapolis would be in the playoffs in the crappy AFC. Those two teams square off this week in Indianapolis in a game that could have playoff implications. I have Miami ranked higher right now. They rank 21st in yards per play differential and 19th in rate of sustaining drives, while Indianapolis ranks 27th and 18th respectively. Miami also holds the edge in points differential +24 to -35, but the game is in Indianapolis.

Studs

QB Matt Moore: 11 of 19 for 131 yards and a touchdown, 1 batted pass, 1 throw away, 1 drop, 100.9 adjusted QB rating, pressured on 4 of 20 drop backs (1 sack, 1 of 3, 1 throw away, 1 touchdown)

LG Richie Incognito: Did not allow a pressure on 27 pass block snaps, 1 penalty, run blocked for 43 yards on 7 attempts, 1 penalty

C Mike Pouncey: Did not allow a pressure on 27 pass block snaps, 1 penalty, run blocked for 28 yards on 4 attempts

RT Jonathan Martin: Did not allow a pressure on 27 pass block snaps, 1 penalty, run blocked for 8 yards on 5 attempts

LT Jake Long: Allowed 1 quarterback hit on 27 pass block snaps, run blocked for 7 yards on 3 attempts

CB Nolan Carroll: Allowed 6 catches for 49 yards on 10 attempts, 1 pass deflection, 8 solo tackles, 2 stops, 1 sack on 2 blitzes

LOLB Kevin Burnett: 1 sack and 2 quarterback hurries on 11 blitzes, 1 penalty, 7 solo tackles, 1 assist, 5 stops, allowed 4 catches for 42 yards on 5 attempts, 1 pass deflection

SS Reshad Jones: Allowed 1 catch for 9 yards on 3 attempts, 1 pass deflection, 4 solo tackles

FS Chris Clemons: Was not thrown on, 1 interception, 6 solo tackles, 1 assist, 1 quarterback hurry on 6 blitzes

DT Randy Starks: 3 quarterback hurries on 36 pass rush snaps, 1 batted pass, 2 solo tackles, 2 stops

P Brandon Fields: 6 punts for 320 yards, 4 inside 20, no returns, 46.7 net yards per punt

Duds

RB Reggie Bush: Rushed for 59 yards (18 yards after contact) on 14 carries, 1 broken tackle, 1 missed tackle, caught 1 pass for 6 yards on 1 attempt

RE Jared Odrick: 2 quarterback hurries on 47 pass rush snaps, 1 solo tackle, 1 stop

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Indianapolis Colts: Week 9 NFL Power Rankings (#11)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 9 NFL Power Rankings, Colts

Last week: 18 (+7)

Record: 4-3

Every year one team goes from 5 wins or fewer into the playoffs. The Vikings are an obvious candidate this year, but why not the Colts, who sit at 4-3. They would be in the playoffs in the crappy AFC if they started today. Their defense is finally getting healthy after seemingly losing every good defensive player they had for some period of time (though it sounds like Vontae Davis will be out for a while). They also have an awfully easy schedule. After playing Miami in a game that could have playoff implications this week (bet you didn’t see that coming), they go to Jacksonville, New England, host Buffalo, go to Detroit, host Tennessee, go to Houston, go to Kansas City, and host Houston (could be resting starters).

Indianapolis Colts

Studs

RG Mike McGlynn: Allowed 1 quarterback hit on 44 pass block snaps, run blocked for 10 yards and a touchdown on 3 attempts

MLB Jerrell Freeman: 12 solo tackles, 8 stops, allowed 2 catches for 18 yards on 2 attempts

Duds

WR Donnie Avery: Caught 4 passes for 42 yards on 6 attempts on 43 pass snaps, 3.3 YAC per catch, 1 penalty, 1 drop

LT Anthony Castonzo: Allowed 2 sacks, 2 quarterback hits, and 7 quarterback hurries on 44 pass block snaps, run blocked for 8 yards on 1 attempt

RT Winston Justice: Allowed 1 quarterback hit and 6 quarterback hurries on 44 pass block snaps, 1 penalty

CB Jerraud Powers: Allowed 7 catches for 89 yards on 7 attempts, 9 solo tackles, 1 assist, 3 stops, 1 missed tackle, 1 penalty

ROLB Dwight Freeney: 2 quarterback hurries on 31 pass rush snaps, no tackles

NT Antonio Johnson: Did not record a pressure on 15 pass rush snaps, no tackles

LOLB Jerry Hughes: 1 sack on 28 pass rush snaps, 1 penalty, 1 stop

CB Cassius Vaughn: Allowed 3 catches for 37 yards and a touchdown on 5 attempts, 1 pass deflection, 1 penalty, 3 solo tackles, 1 stop, 1 penalty, 2 kickoff returns for 9 yards

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Minnesota Vikings: Week 9 NFL Power Rankings (#12)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 9 NFL Power Rankings, Vikings

Last week: 10 (-2)

Record: 5-3

A bad game or the beginning of the end for this young impressive team? I’m going to go with the former because it was on Thursday Night and it’s tough to knock a team, especially such a young team, for a bad game on a short week. However, Christian Ponder will need to step it up. In his last 3 games, he’s completed 62 of 104 for 661 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions, all less than stellar team performances. The Vikings to Seattle this week, an awfully tough place to play. They’re still in the playoffs in my mind and one of several candidates to be this year’s team that goes from 5 wins or less to the playoffs, along with Indianapolis and Tampa Bay. We might have multiple such teams this year.

Studs

LG Charlie Johnson: Allowed 1 quarterback hit on 43 pass block snaps, run blocked for 11 yards on 2 attempts

C John Sullivan: Didn’t allow a pressures on 43 pass block snaps, run blocked for 29 yards on 5 attempts

WR Percy Harvin: Caught 7 passes for 90 yards and a touchdown on 10 attempts on 36 pass snaps, 13.0 YAC per catch

FS Harrison Smith: 9 solo tackles, 1 assist, 5 stops, 1 missed tackle, allowed 1 catch for 1 yard and a touchdown on 3 attempts

LE Brian Robison: 1 quarterback hurry on 36 pass rush snaps, 3 batted passes, 1 solo tackles, 3 assists, 1 stop

Duds

RG Brandon Fusco: Allowed 1 quarterback hit and 2 quarterback hurries on 32 pass block snaps, run blocked for 3 yards and a touchdown on 2 attempts

WR Jerome Simpson: Caught 2 passes for 37 yards on 7 attempts on 34 pass snaps, 1.5 YAC per catch, 1 drop

ROLB Chad Greenway: Allowed 6 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown on 6 attempts, 9 solo tackles, 3 assists, 4 stops, 1 missed tackle

DT Kevin Williams: 1 quarterback hit and 1 quarterback hurry on 32 pass rush snaps, 1 missed tackle

LOLB Erin Henderson: 2 solo tackles, 2 assists, 2 stops, allowed 1 catch for 2 yards on 1 attempt

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Seattle Seahawks: Week 9 NFL Power Rankings (#14)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 9 NFL Power Rankings, Seahawks

Last week: 14 (-0)

Record: 4-4

No the sky is not falling with this team. They just went on the road for 2 games. Everything will be fine this week when the play the Vikings back in Seattle, where they play 5 of their final 8 games. They’ll still be right in the NFC playoff mix, but they will have to win 1 more road game. 9 wins probably won’t cut it in the NFC and that’s assuming they win out at home. Their last 3 road games are in Miami, Chicago, and Buffalo.

Studs

LT Russell Okung: Did not allow a pressure on 38 pass block snaps, run blocked for 1 yard on 2 attempts

LG James Carpenter: Did not allow a pressure on 38 pass block snaps, run blocked for 3 yards on 1 attempts

QB Russell Wilson: 25 of 35 for 246 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception, 3 drops, 1 throw away, pressured on 6 of 36 drop backs (4 of 6, 1 throw away)

Duds

CB Brandon Browner: Allowed 5 catches for 52 yards and 2 touchdowns on 8 attempts, 2 penalties, 3 solo tackles, 1 missed tackle

RE Chris Clemons: 2 quarterback hits and 1 quarterback hurry on 48 pass rush snaps, 1 missed tackle

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San Diego Chargers: Week 9 NFL Power Rankings (#15)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 9 NFL Power Rankings, Chargers

Last week: 8 (-7)

Record: 3-4

I’m not sure this is the same Philip Rivers anymore. I thought his high turnover rate from 2011 was an outlier and that he’d bounce back, especially since he played so much better in the 2nd half of last season (14 interceptions in games 1-8 and 6 in games 9-16). After all, Eli Manning threw 25 picks in 2010 and he didn’t have such a bad 2011.

However, Rivers’ struggles seem to have carried over into this season. Not only has his turnover rate remained the same, but his YPA of 6.8 YPA is a career low and down over a whole yard per play from his “disappointing 2011.” He doesn’t look like the same player as he was from 2006-2010. Some of the blame falls on his supporting cast. The Chargers have 10 draft picks in the first 3 rounds in the last 3 years and only 2 of them have been used on offensive players, including one, Vincent Brown, who is currently out with an injury (the other is Ryan Mathews). At the same time, no late round picks from those 3 drafts have stepped up and become starters offensively.

Meanwhile, they’ve let key offensive players like Vincent Jackson and Darren Sproles walk out the door without replacing them and key cogs in this offense from Rivers’ heyday like Marcus McNeill, Kris Dielman, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Antonio Gates are either retired or not playing at nearly the same level, without being properly replaced. Some of the blame can fall on Rivers himself, however. In his age 31 season, he doesn’t seem to be the same player, for whatever reason. However, the Chargers always finish strong and in the weak AFC, you can’t count them out.

Studs

LG Tyronne Green: Did not allow a pressure on 35 pass block snaps, run blocked for 13 yards on 3 attempts

RT Jeromey Clary: Allowed 1 quarterback hurry on 35 pass block snaps, run blocked for 20 yards on 5 attempts

RB Ronnie Brown: Caught 7 catches for 85 yards on 8 attempts, rushed for 17 yards (7 after contact) on 4 carries

FS Eric Weddle: Did not allow a completion on 1 attempt, 6 solo tackles, 1 assist, 3 stops

MLB Donald Butler: 7 solo tackles, 2 assist, 5 stops, 1 missed tackle, 1 quarterback hit on 6 blitzes, was not thrown on

P Mike Scifres: 6 punts for 279 yards, 4 inside 20, 2 returns for 7 yards, 45.3 net yards per punt

Duds

LT Jared Gaither: Allowed 1 quarterback hit and 3 quarterback hurries on 35 pass block snaps, 1 penalty, run blocked for 12 yards on 5 attempts

WR Robert Meachem: Did not catch a pass on 3 attempts on 34 pass snaps, 2 drops

TE Antonio Gates: Caught 2 passes for 14 yards on 4 attempts on 35 pass snaps, 0.5 YAC per catch, 1 drop

SS Atari Bigby: Allowed 2 catches for 23 yards on 4 attempts, 5 solo tackles, 1 assist, 2 stops, 4 missed tackle

CB Antoine Cason: Allowed 5 catches for 45 yards on 7 attempts, 3 solo tackles, 2 missed tackles

LE Vaughn Martin: Did not record a pressure on 23 pass rush snaps, 1 assist, 1 penalty

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Philadelphia Eagles: Week 9 NFL Power Rankings (#16)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 9 NFL Power Rankings, Eagles

Last week: 11 (-5)

Record: 3-4

A lot of people are saying that Andy Reid should stick with Michael Vick because he gives him the best chance of making the playoffs and that’s the only way to keep his job. Even if it’s true that Vick is their best short term option (I’m not so sure), I still disagree with that. Andy Reid’s thing is quarterbacks. He’s always made quarterbacks look better than they are, whether it be Donovan McNabb, Kevin Kolb, AJ Feeley, even Vick up until this year (I still argue he’d be worse off anywhere else). If Foles takes over and shows some promise down the stretch, even if they don’t make the playoffs, they’re going to want to keep Reid around to develop him.

Still, I don’t think the Eagles are out of it. They’ve always been a better 2nd half team under Andy Reid. Since he took over in 1999, the Eagles are 28-26 before the bye and 82-40 after. Just because he lost for the first time off a bye last week against an undefeated Falcons team, doesn’t mean that’s going to change. And if they do end up firing Reid, I can understand it. I’ve always said what he does with quarterbacks outweighs all the negatives, but eventually, change needs to happen and maybe change would be best for both sides. If Reid is let go and decides he wants to continue coaching, he’ll probably be snatched up quickly.

Studs

LT King Dunlap: Did not allow a pressure on 44 pass block snaps, run blocked for -3 yards on 1 attempt

C Dallas Reynolds: Did not allow a pressure on 44 pass block snaps, run blocked for 32 yards on 8 attempts

MLB DeMeco Ryans: 8 solo tackles, 2 assists, 6 stops, allowed 6 catches for 27 yards and a touchdown on 6 attempts

LE Brandon Graham: 2 quarterback hurry on 18 pass rush snaps, 4 solo tackles, 1 assist, 2 stops

Duds

WR Jeremy Maclin: Caught 6 passes for 33 yards on 11 attempts on 44 pass snaps, 3.5 YAC per catch, 2 drops

TE Brent Celek: Caught 3 passes for 32 yards on 5 attempts on 33 pass snaps, 5.0 YAC per catch, 1 drop, allowed 1 quarterback hurry on 5 pass block snaps

CB Nnamdi Asomugha: Allowed 5 catches for 139 yards and a touchdown on 5 attempts, 3 solo tackles, 1 stop, 1 missed tackle

ROLB Mychal Kendricks: 2 solo tackles, 2 assists, 1 stop, 3 penalties, allowed 1 catch for 11 yards on 2 attempts, 1 pass deflection

LE Jason Babin: Did not record a pressure on 18 pass rush snaps, 1 penalty, no tackles

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Dallas Cowboys: Week 9 NFL Power Rankings (#17)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 9 NFL Power Rankings, Cowboys

Last week: 16 (-1)

Record: 3-4

The good news for the Cowboys is that they rank 8th in yards per play differential and 7th in rate of sustaining drives differential. The biggest issue, by far, has been turnover differential so far for them, as they have a turnover differential of -11, 2nd worst in the NFL. The good news is that turnover differentials are incredibly inconsistent, as seen here. Tony Romo, specifically, has an interception rate of 4.6%. Despite his reputation as a turnover machine, his interception rate was only 2.8% coming into the season. In fact, 13 is the most he’s had in a season since 2008, and it’s been 7 games. That will regress to the mean going forward. I’m actually impressed they were able to keep it so close with the Giants despite losing the turnover battle by 4. Don’t count them out yet.

Studs

RG Mackenzy Bernadeau: 1 quarterback hurry on 69 pass block snaps, run blocked for -3 yards on 3 attempts

TE Jason Witten: Caught 18 passes for 167 yards on 23 attempts on 63 pass snaps, 2.6 YAC per catch, 1 interception when thrown to

WR Miles Austin: Caught 9 passes for 133 yards on 16 attempts on 66 pass snaps, 5.1 YAC per catch, 1 interception when thrown to

CB Morris Claiborne: Allowed 3 catches for 15 yards on 5 attempts, 1 pass deflection, 4 solo tackle, 1 assist, 2 stops

NT Jay Ratliff: 2 quarterback hits and 1 quarterback hurry on 27 pass rush snaps, 5 solo tackles, 5 stops, 1 missed tackle

RE Jason Hatcher: 1 quarterback hit and 2 quarterback hurry on 22 pass rush snaps, 5 assists

Duds

QB Tony Romo: 36 of 62 for 437 yards, 1 touchdown, and 4 interceptions, 1 throw away, 1 spike, 1 drop, 69.5 adjusted QB rating, pressured on 21 of 62 drop backs (4 sacks, 6 of 17, 2 interceptions, 1 throw away)

RB Felix Jones: Rushed for 19 yards (22 after contact) and a touchdown on 13 carries, 1 fumble, did not catch a pass on 3 attempts, 1 interception when thrown to

LG Nate Livings: Allowed 1 sack and 3 quarterback hits on 69 pass block snaps, run blocked for 8 yards on 3 attempts

C Ryan Cook: Allowed 2 quarterback hits and 1 quarterback hurry on 69 pass block snaps, 1 penalty, run blocked for 7 yards on 4 attempts

RT Doug Free: Allowed 6 quarterback hurries on 69 pass block snaps, 1 penalty, run blocked for -1 yard on 2 attempts

WR Kevin Ogletree: Didn’t catch a pass on 2 attempts on 45 pass snaps

FS Gerald Sensabaugh: 1 solo tackle, 2 missed tackles, allowed 2 catches for 28 yards on 2 attempts, 1 pass deflection

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