Rodgers, Manning twice
Quarterback, changes destiny
Happy Turkey Day
Happy Thanksgiving Power Rank readers!
Here are the rankings for tomorrow’s menu:
1. Turkey legs 10.43
2. Stuffing 8.74
3. Turkey breast 5.21
4. Mashed potatoes and gravy 4.98
5. Pumpkin Pie 3.16
6. Cranberry sauce -25.47
Just kidding!
On a more serious note, here is something I’m very thankful for this year: 19 years of the Packers (#1, 12.14) having a future Hall of Fame quarterback under center. Not every fan base is as lucky as the one I am proud to be a part of, and it is good to reflect on that unbelievable fortune from time to time.
The Colts (#32, -12.18) are at the opposite end of that spectrum, losing their future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning to neck problems this year, sending them from a top-tier AFC powerhouse to the worst team in the league by almost every metric available. For fans who have seen Peyton taking snaps every week since 1997, this season is quite a shock to the system.
Other teams haven’t been so stable at the quarterback position over the years, and their ups and downs have shown it. The Bears, for instance (#5, 5.39) have always seemed to have trouble finding a reliable trigger in spite of years of talented defenses and running backs. Chicago fans largely applauded the coming of Jay Cutler, the best quarterback talent the Windy City has seen since Jim McMahon. Now Cutler is likely out for the rest of the regular season, and possibly a portion of the postseason, with an injured thumb. The Power Rank has been measuring the Bears success with a competent starter leading the offense. With backup Caleb Hanie, their true power is likely diminished, which will show in the coming weeks both in their record and in their ranking. For this week, do not count on the raw numbers as Chicago is favored over Oakland (#17, -1.15) by 4.5 on the road.
Another team made a big change under center this week. The Kansas City Chiefs (#31, -8.22) have acquired the benched Kyle Orton from their division rival Broncos (#22, -2.35) to fill in for an injured Matt Cassel. Tyler Palko was given a shot on Monday night to take the reigns, but a performance that yielded no touchdowns and three interceptions sent the Chiefs looking elsewhere. Personally, I believe that not only is Orton an upgrade over Palko, he’s an upgrade over Cassel. This is sure to be controversial, but I think Orton can deliver a ball to gifted receivers, which the Chiefs have in Dwayne Bowe and Steve Breaston. It may not be enough for them to beat the Steelers (#8, 3.71) this week, but it may be enough for the Chiefs to start climbing out of the cellar and back into playoff contention.
Finally the Eagles (#13, 1.59) have been struggling all year, but managed to beat the Giants (#14, 0.99) with backup quarterback Vince Young last week. This improbable loss helped bring the Giants’ division leading record closer to what the Power Rank has expected of the G-Men all year (mediocrity) and they are now tied for the lead with Dallas (#10, 2.85). The Power Rank has considered the Cowboys a strong team all season in spite of a slow start with a tough schedule, but as things shake out they are rising to the top and The Power Rank expects this trend to continue.
That is, of course, assuming that Cowboys fans give their thanks tomorrow to ensure that Tony Romo can stay healthy for the remainder of the season!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
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