Power Rankings Around the Net

by Matty I on Sep 19, 2007 12:01 AM EDT in News Comment 7 comments

Time to see how far the Fins have fallen in this week's power rankings. Should be a fun trip so let's get to it.

In just his second game as the Dolphins QB, Trent Green did what he had done only one time in 112 previous games prior to this season -- throw four interceptions. This is what happens when you assume the starting QB's role in Miami.

Hard to argue that fact. But the idea that the starting QB position in Miami is a jinx will come to an end when the John Beck era begins...hopefully.

-CBS Sports: 30

Make the change. Make the change. Make the change. How many more times can I implore Cam Cameron to go to John Beck? Do it for the future.

Interesting that Prisco wants the Dolphins to go to Beck already. He's the first national media personality that I've heard call for Beck. I'm sure the uproar will continue to grow if Green doesn't get his sh*t straightened out.

-FOX Sports: 31

The Dolphins fell to their second NFC East opponent on Sunday, with a 37-20 loss to Dallas. For the second straight week, the running game struggled, putting up only 61 total yards. Miami's starting the season 0-2 for the third time in four years, and Cam Cameron's offense is sputtering. Debatable clock management at the end of the first half plagued the 'Fins for the second straight week as well. There are plenty of question marks these days down in South Beach.

I guess there are enough question marks in Miami for the Dolphins to be ranked as the 2nd worst team in the NFL according to FOX. The worst part is that at this point, I can't argue that fact. Dark days, indeed, for the Dolphins fan.

-Sporting News: 28

Tough crowd, eh Trent Green?

Yes, the natives are growing restless after just 2 games. If you actually listen closely, no matter where in the country you are, you can hear the chant of "John Beck, John Beck" over and over again. Or maybe that's just me. Who knows?

-Football Locks: 24

For most of the game Miami's defense was doing its job against the Cowboys' offense. But Miami's offense couldn't get out of its own way thanks in part to 4 Green interceptions. And eventually the defense caved in.

Fair assessment there.

-NFL Report: 28

Miami is starting to make their push for the sorriest team in the league. QB Trent Green threw four picks in the loss to Dallas but that could've been about 12. Time to dust off Cleo Lemon? Wonder what Jay Fiedler is doing these days?

Was that a Jay Fiedler reference I just read? That can't be good. And did they actually say Miami could be the "sorriest team in the league." No way. you got the Lions...oh crap, they're 2-0. There's the Cardinals...crap, they got a win. There's the Bills and Raiders. Ah yes, thank god for the Bills and Raiders. (For some reason, I get the feeling like I'll regret that comment in a few weeks...hmm)

-Yahoo! Sports: 28 (Jason Cole) & 26 (Charles Robinson)

-Covers.com: 32

Just how bad is the running game? People are floating around Ricky Williams' name again, that's how bad.

Yea, that is bad. But is it bad enough to have the Dolphins dead last? Even below the Falcons? That's a bit of a reach.

Average Ranking: 28

Back later with some thoughts on the whole "start Beck" petition that seems to be going around.

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To think I thought this could be a playoff team

I may have been dreaming, but those dreams weren't that crazy before preseason.

Now I just hope John Beck will get playing time. I don't think it is over. I still believe we have a chance at the playoff (Yes I am crazy). I just think we need to give Ronnie Brown the ball more. If our defense wakes up this week they have the potential to be a top 5 defense again. If that happens we are and our offense can play just a tad bit better than last year, we have at least the shot to win 7 games.

by Beck4Mercy on Sep 19, 2007 12:20 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

From the onset...

I thought an 8-8 mark for this team would represent a big accomplishment. Now even 8 wins and a .500 record look like a reach.

Remember all that talk about power rankings just before the season - how the dolphins should or shouldn't have been ranked higher/lower? Now it seems very academic - when you are 0-2 and been so thoroughly lousy, it is hard to argue with being ranked at or near the bottom.

This is and always was a rebuilding year. A piecemeal offensive line, a dubious secondary, the oldest front seven in the league on defense, and a QB in his 15th year coming off a horrible season.

The new guys that this management/coaching regime drafted need to be given a chance. I'm talking about guys like Solali, Booker, etc. Get them involved and spare us the Jesse Chatmans of the world. Stop the nonsense with Ronnie Brown and give the man the ball 20+ times. John Beck should get the start after the bye week.

by Natalya on Sep 19, 2007 12:48 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Rankings

Out of the ten 0-2 teams, I have a tough time seeing them as being outside of the top 3 of that group. I think part of that is because people are underestimating the NFC East teams. Parcells left a heck of a team there in Dallas. Washington walked into tough road destination in Philly and controlled the game from start to finish. Its not like the Dolphins earned those two losses against the bottom of the barrel.

by DCDolphin on Sep 19, 2007 6:32 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

People need to lighten up

Okay, the Bills are 0-2 and I don't hear the media calling for Losman's head just yet, and he has only a rookie behind him (I'm in upstate NY, so i'd have heard the calls) just like Trent.
Trent Green is not the issue here. It is purely and distinctly the offensive line. Cam clearly is not a guy who accepts a 2 yard gain here, or a 1 yard gain there, all in the hopes that the back will be getting first downs late in the game. Cam wants the backs to perform immediately, and I don't think the issue is Brown or Chatman. These guys are met at or behind the line at every handoff. They may not be giving up a billion sacks, but we've all seen this before - the Marino era. The O-line can pass block, but can't run block. Run blocking requires a stronger mentality and physicality than does pass blocking.
People also say, where's Lorenzo Booker? Well, Cam cant really use him as effectively until the O-line gets the basics down. Trent puts the ball up too many times trying to hit receivers that arent 100 percent familiar with the offense and to be honest - it's a miracle he hasn't thrown 10 interceptions to this point. If the Phins can run, they can win. Until they can run, they are going to lose and the media will be eating tuna-netted dolphin every Monday morning.
A note to EVERY Dolphins fan: These are NFC losses, and for all intents and purposes, two decent NFC teams. These losses are meaningless in the AFC race. Miami has yet to play an AFC game. Plus, minus the cheatin Pats, the rest of the division is 0-2 and theres a long way to go.
Lets get our hopes out of the dumper. It's week 3. A little early to be throwing in the towel.

by mikem1224 on Sep 19, 2007 7:06 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

agreed about the o-line

but you can't abandon the run game when it's close, no matter what. it wasn't like the passing game was stellar on sunday.

and comparing green to losman isn't the best example.. i understand what you are trying to say, but green was brought in to be a leader. he wasn't drafted as a project. and yes he is still learning, and yes he playing behind a shoddy line- but he needs to make some better decisions out there.

i'm not throwing the towel in on green or the fins yet, but i can understand people's frustrations. the fins truly had the chance to win both of these games.

by NumberSeven on Sep 19, 2007 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

John Beck

I think the Start Beck chants would be louder if he hadn't come back to earth in that final preseason game.

I am in the camp that thinks this season isn't over yet. Everyone should have realized that making the playoffs was a long shot from the beginning anyways.

However, when the season is lost, Beck needs to start. I don't think throwing him in the deep end will Joey Harrington or David Carr him.

He seems mature enough to handle his lumps without losing confidence.

by Mindtornado on Sep 19, 2007 2:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I've got the Fins at #23

I've been working on a power rankings system using a mathematical formula to balance results vs performance vs "effect" (on other teams)...There are some obvious quirks that will shake out after a few more game, but I have the Dolphins at #23, even after the home loss...I think it's reasonable, too. I mean, they gave away the Cowboy game & played the Redskins pretty tough, and both have landed into my Top 10 (but I doubt the Redskins will remain there as the season goes on)

Here's mine:

1 New England Patriots
# Indianapolis Colts
# Pittsburgh Steelers
# Houston Texans
5 Dallas Cowboys
# Detroit Lions
# San Francisco 49ers
# Denver Broncos
# Green Bay Packers
10 Washington Redskins
# Tennessee Titans
# Minnesota Vikings
# Carolina Panthers
# Tampa Bay Buccanneers
15 San Diego Chargers
# Cleveland Browns
# Arizona Cardinals
# Seattle Seahawks
# Cincinnati Bengals
20 Baltimore Ravens
# Chicago Bears
# Jacksonville Jaguars
# Miami Dolphins
# Philadelphia Eagles
25 Buffalo Bills
# Oakland Raiders
# Atlanta Falcons
# Kansas City Chiefs
# St. Louis Rams
30 New York Jets
# New York Giants
# New Orleans Saints