They say it’s become an offensive league, all about deep balls and spread formations. But here’s something for you: Nine of the 10 teams in this week’s edition of The Ten are ranked higher defensively than offensively. At least seven (all but the Patriots, Jets and Falcons) would be considered defensive football teams.
The NFL’s two highest rated offences (New Orleans and Denver) have a combined record of 9-9. In fact, six of the top 10 offensive teams in football are currently out of the playoff picture, while eight of the league’s top 10 defensive teams would make the playoffs if the season ended today.
So you probably won’t be offended (pathetic, I know) by this week’s look at the 10 best teams in the National Football League:
1. Tennessee Titans
Last week: 1
What’s scary: Tennessee is finding alternative ways to win when things aren’t going as expected. If the Bears couldn’t hold the offence in check, who can? What’s also scary: We’re asking questions about how teams can stop the offence, but the team’s real strength is, obviously, the defence.
2. New York Giants
Last week: 2
The Giants and Titans actually have a lot of similarities. Both are using a nice mix of power and finesse backs to keep the pressure off the quarterback. Both teams are +19 in terms of sacks for to sacks allowed, meaning the offensive lines and the pass rushers have made the difference.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
Last week: 3
The first step to admitting you have a problem in the secondary: Pittsburgh signed Fernando Bryant this week.
4. Baltimore Ravens
Last week: 9
With a ridiculous schedule ahead, you have to wonder if the Ravens are this year’s Cleveland Browns: 10-6 and out of the playoffs.
5. Washington Redskins
Last week: 5
The ‘Skins better have taken advantage of the two weeks they’ve had to prepare for Dallas on Sunday night, because the Giants, Ravens and Eagles are still ahead.
6. Carolina Panthers
Last week: 6
How good is Carolina’s defence? The Panthers’ win in Oakland Sunday marked the first time a team has won with their quarterback completing less than 30 percent of his passes and throwing four interceptions since the Bengals did it with Ken Anderson in 1975.
Of course, that was also against the Raiders.
7. New England Patriots
Last week: Unranked
Believe it or not, with Tom Brady down, this is becoming a defensive team. The Pats have given up only 13 points per game in their last four, against Denver, St. Louis, Indy and Buffalo.
8. New York Jets
Last week: Unranked
We’ll have a look-ahead to the huge Jets-Pats Thursday nighter coming up in a few hours.
9. Atlanta Falcons
Last week: 10
Unbelievably, Matt Ryan has the NFL’s highest passer rating at home this season. The Falcons have been just marvelous at the Georgia Dome.
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Last week: 7
Sorry to diss you on a bye, Tampa, but the Falcons deserved to move ahead.