Spring Break
NFL power rankings
Matt Simon
Issue date: 7/18/07 Section: Sports
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1) New England Patriots- Already a perennial contender to go to the Super Bowl each year, the Patriots actually made a splash this off-season by adding some big names to their roster. Adalius Thomas, who recorded 11 sacks with the Baltimore Ravens last year, comes to the Patriots as a free agent and will fit in with an already stacked defensive front seven. His versatility in pass rushing and coverage will blend well with Bill Belichick's defensive schemes. Randy Moss, the other big name to land in New England, should look more like the receiver he was in Minnesota with Tom Brady throwing him the ball this year.
2) San Diego Chargers- New head coach Norv Turner has inherited the most talented team in the league. The Chargers went 14-2 last season, and Turner will have some nice toys to play with on both sides of the ball. LaDainian Tomlinson at halfback and Antonio Gates at tight end are the best players in the league at their respective positions, and QB Phillip Rivers should have an even better year in 2007 in Turner's offensive system. The Chargers finished in the top-10 in total defense in 2006, and boast the NFL's most intense pass rusher, Shawn Merriman. Merriman led the league in sacks last season despite missing four games for a banned-substance suspension.
3) Indianapolis Colts- Some might expect the defending champion Colts to be ranked No. 1 in the preseason, but due to the big offseason moves by the rival Patriots, the overflow of talent in San Diego and the loss of some key starters from their already flimsy defense, they come in at No. 3. All-Pro quarterback Peyton Manning will again be teamed up with the league's best receiver tandem of Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, who combined for 2,676 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2006. The Colts also recently re-signed Dwight Freeney, who will keep the pressure on opposing team's quarterbacks in 2007.
4) Baltimore Ravens- Led by the leagues top ranked and most feared defense in 2006, the Ravens finished 2006 with an impressive 13-3 record. The defense is led by future hall of fame linebacker Ray Lewis, who keeps his teammates playing with passion every time they take the field Pro Bowler's Ed Reed and Chris McAllister anchor the secondary that is known for picking off passes and finishing the play in the end zone. Steve McNair's arrival in 2006 gave Baltimore the confidence it needed to play well on both offense and defense. The Ravens also added running back Willis McGhee this offseason, to make up for the departure of Jamal Lewis.
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