The following is JetNation’s pre-training camp power rankings;
(Part I)
Part II (11-21):
11. Miami Dolphins: The biggest question facing the Dolphins is whether QB Ryan Tannehill can avoid the “sophomore slump” and progress in the offense. If Tannehill takes the next step the Dolphins will be formidable for years to come and fight the Patriots for the AFC East title.
12. Indianapolis Colts: Head coach Chuck Pagano returning from leukemia along with the Colts making the playoffs with a rookie QB, Andrew Luck, while rebuilding the team was quite the story. The Colts were active in free agency and are ready for another run but wonder if last year was an overachievement. The Colts have a bright future but are they ready to return to dominance?
13. Washington Redskins: How many games does QB Kirk Cousins play before Robert Griffin III returns from his knee injury will play a big role in how this season goes for the Redskins? The NFC East is wide open and the Redskins have a chance to repeat as division champs but they will need to protect their franchise QB to get there.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers: Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau had number one defense in the league last year, did he have number one talent? The Steelers are always in the playoff hunt but has years of Ben Roethlisberger punishing his body catching up with him as the offense doesn’t possess the playmakers they use to.
15. St. Louis Rams: Playing in a tough division, this along with being an NFC team would seem to keep the Rams out of the playoffs but it will be an important year for 2010 first overall pick QB Sam Bradford. The Rams have given Bradford some weapons at the skill positions and if the offensive line stays healthy they will make some noise this year.
16. Chicago Bears: Win ten games get fired, just ask Lovie Smith. Jay Cutler has taken a beating over the past three years and the Bears have attempted to solidify their line and protect Cutler. Will the defense be as good as they were last year especially without LB Brian Urlacher?
17. Dallas Cowboys: Jerry Jones felt it important to lock-up QB Tony Romo long term despite a poor playoff record (1-3) and stumbling in the last regular season game of 2012, which would have put the Cowboys in the playoffs. Owners do not make good general managers.
18. New York Giants: The days of the Giants fierce pass rush has declined as the team had only 33 sacks and ranked 31st in yards allowed last year. Eli Manning has won two Super Bowls and generated some impressive statistics over the last few years but can the offense totally carry the team?
19. Carolina Panthers: LB Luke Kuechly won rookie of the year in 2012 but QB Cam Newton had an up and down season. When you’re hoping for a big season from WR Armanti Edwards this might give one the feeling the team is thin at skill positions.
20. Minnesota Vikings: If Adrian Peterson has over 2,000 yards rushing again then the Vikings ranking will rise quickly. Find it hard to believe he’ll repeat that career performance along with Christian Ponder being able to pass the offense to scores.
21. San Diego Chargers: Losing WR Vincent Brown in preseason set the tone for the Chargers last year as they had one of the worst offensive lines and receiving core, next to the Jets, in the NFL. Can Phillip Rivers be revitalized under new head coach Mike McCoy and offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt?
(Part I – Link) – Part III (22-32) tomorrow.