Rick Gosselin's NFL Rankings...Falcons #2

[Admin]

Loading up on defense gives Dolphins Super hopes

06/08/2003

Dave Wannstedt wears a Super Bowl ring, but it's not a product of his nine seasons as an NFL head coach.

Wannstedt won the ring as defensive coordinator of the Cowboys in 1992. He moved on to Chicago in 1993 to become head coach of the Bears, and has since moved on to Miami.

In his head-coaching career – six seasons at Chicago and now three in Miami – Wannstedt has lost more games (73) than he has won (71). He has never taken a team to a conference title game, much less a Super Bowl, and has captured only one division title.

So the heat is being turned up on Wannstedt to win – and win big – this season. But he has never been in a better position to succeed as a head coach.

With the addition of safety Sammy Knight and linebacker Junior Seau, the Dolphins have eight defensive starters who have been to recent Pro Bowls. Miami also has NFL rushing champion Ricky Williams.

Run the ball and play defense was the formula that won three Super Bowls for the Cowboys in the 1990s – a formula very familiar to Wannstedt.

On paper, the 2003 Dolphins are the best team Wannstedt has coached since the 1992 Cowboys. They may be the best team in the NFL – claiming the top spot in the annual off-season rankings by The Dallas Morning News. Here are the rankings:

1. Miami: The Dolphins tied for first in the AFC East last season at 9-7 but missed out on a division title because of tiebreakers. QB Jay Fiedler sat six games at mid-season with a broken thumb, and Miami collapsed during his absence, losing four times. If he stays healthy, the Dolphins likely win three or four of those games, capture the division and take a top-three defense into the playoffs. That defense is more formidable in 2003 with Sammy Knight and Junior Seau, and the offense will be better with a healthy Fiedler and an increased commitment to Ricky Williams. FINAL 2002 RANK: 14

2. Atlanta: The Falcons were a wide receiver away from greatness in 2002 - then went out and got him this off-season by trading for Peerless Price. Defenses must respect his down-the-field playmaking ability plus the arm of Michael Vick. That will force safeties to back off, which creates daylight underneath for Vick, Warrick Dunn and T.J. Duckett as runners. Atlanta also bolstered a soft secondary by signing free agents Tyrone Williams, Tod McBride and Cory Hall and drafting Bryan Scott. If Vick takes the next step as a quarterback, the Falcons will take the next step as a team. FINAL 2002 RANK: 7

3. Tampa Bay: The last three teams to repeat as Super Bowl champions - Denver (1997-98), Dallas (1992-93) and San Francisco (1988-89) - all had Hall of Fame-caliber quarterbacks (John Elway, Troy Aikman and Joe Montana). Brad Johnson is not in that class. Teams no longer repeat in the salary-cap era anyway. Free agency chips away at the supporting cast of championship teams - and the Bucs lost two starters off the NFL’s best defense this off-season. The NFC’s toughest division will make it difficult for Tampa Bay to repeat. FINAL 2002 RANK: 1

4. Green Bay: The Packers were again one of the league’s elite last season (12 victories) despite losing 58 games by starters because of injury. That was tops among the playoff teams. Offensive tackles Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher missed a combined 20 games, and the team’s best pass rusher, Joe Johnson, missed 11 more. They’re all back. So are Brett Favre and four other Pro Bowlers. Green Bay has one of the best homefield advantages in all of sports, but it needs a healthy team come January to take advantage of it. FINAL 2002 RANK: 5

5. Indianapolis: Offensively, the Colts are loaded with Peyton Manning, Edgerrin James, Marvin Harrison and Marcus Pollard all handling the ball. Rookie TE Dallas Clark and free agent WR Brandon Stokley improve that mighty cast. The Colts made a dramatic turnaround on defense in Tony Dungy’s first season, vaulting from 29th in 2001 to eighth in 2002. This defense will improve as Dungy continues to stock it with speed players to his liking, such as DE Robert Mathis, DT Montae Reagor and SS Mike Doss. FINAL 2002 RANK: 9

6. Pittsburgh Tommy Maddox brings stability to the quarterback position, and the Steelers have one of the best wide-receiver corps in the league. But defense remains the ticket in Pittsburgh. The Steelers will be faster at the back end in 2003 with the arrival of No. 1 draft pick Troy Polamalu at strong safety. A healthy Kendrell Bell will toughen up the front end of the defense. The run-stuffing linebacker missed four games last season. FINAL 2002 RANK: 6

7. Philadelphia: Jim Johnson is one of the top defensive coordinators in the game, but his bosses keep testing him. Last season, the Eagles asked Johnson to play championship-caliber defense without Jeremiah Trotter, his best run stopper. This year the Eagles are asking him to play without Hugh Douglas, his best pass rusher. Philly let Trotter and Douglas go in free agency in back-to-back off-seasons. Offensively, Donovan McNabb could still use a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver. FINAL 2002 RANK: 3

8. Seattle: The Seahawks hired Mike Holmgren in 1999 to contend for Super Bowls. Four years later, they’re still waiting. But this may be the year. Seattle was one of the NFL’s best teams by season’s end in 2002, winning its last three games and topping 30 points each time. The conquests included playoff contenders Atlanta and San Diego on the road. Now 21 of the 22 starters return, and free-agent DE Chike Okeafor should bolster a sub-par pass rush. FINAL 2002 RANK: 15

9. Kansas City: Defense was the problem in 2002. The Chiefs led the NFL in scoring (467 points) but allowed 399. So they signed LB Shawn Barber and DE Vonnie Holliday in free agency. The Chiefs also will benefit from the return of SS Jerome Woods and DT Ryan Sims. Woods missed the entire 2002 season with a broken leg and Sims, the team’s No. 1 draft pick, played only six games before dislocating his elbow. Also, a healthy Priest Holmes is mandatory. FINAL 2002 RANK: 20

10. New England: The Patriots had the NFL’s best draft in 2003, selecting 10 players to fill a plethora of holes. Heading that class were DT Ty Warren and CB Eugene Wilson. They signed veteran linebacker Rosevelt Colvin and Pro Bowl safety Rodney Harrison to toughen up the NFL’s 23rd-ranked defense. They need RB Antowain Smith and WR Troy Brown to rebound, though. FINAL 2002 RANK: 13

11. Tennessee: How much gas is left in Eddie George’s tank? This is a ball-control offense that needs George to chew up yardage and the clock. The Titans can’t do that with George averaging only 3.4 yards per carry again. But he turns 30 in September and is on the downside of his career. As George goes, so go the Titans. FINAL 2002 RANK: 4

12. Cleveland: Butch Davis knows what a good defense looks like. He didn’t see one in Cleveland in 2002, so he has overhauled a linebacking corps that couldn’t stop the run. Out went Earl Holmes, Darren Hambrick and Dwayne Rudd and in came free agent Barry Gardner and 2002 draft picks Kevin Bentley and Ben Taylor. RB William Green is the key on offense. FINAL 2002 RANK: 10

13. N.Y. Giants: The right side of the offensive line is gone with the defections of guard Jason Whittle, tackle Mike Rosenthal and tight end Dan Campbell in free agency. No problem. Line coach Jim McNally replaced four starters in 2002 and still fielded one of the NFL’s better blocking fronts. Everyone is back from a top 10 defense. FINAL 2002 RANK: 11

14. San Diego: Quarterback Drew Brees and halfback LaDainian Tomlinson are emerging young stars. They will be better players in 2003 with the addition of a blocking fullback (Lorenzo Neal) for Tomlinson and a deep threat (David Boston) for Brees. But will the defense be better without perennial Pro Bowlers Junior Seau and Rodney Harrison? FINAL 2002 RANK: 16

15. Oakland: The 2002 season may have been the last hurrah for this version of the Raiders. The AFC champions had to cut four defensive starters to get under the salary cap for 2003. This is the oldest lineup in football, with an average age of 30.2 years. Eleven starters are over 30. Some, like Jerry Rice, are way, way over 30. FINAL 2002 RANK: 2

16. New Orleans: If the NFL played the Super Bowl on Thanksgiving Day, the Saints would be contenders. But December spells doom for New Orleans. The Saints lost their last four games in 2001 and their last three in 2002. Looking for a winning chemistry, Jim Haslett rebuilt the NFL’s 27th-ranked defense through the draft, trades and free agency. FINAL 2002 RANK: 19

17. St. Louis: Defense was the problem as the Rams allowed almost 24 points per game. But offensive-minded head coach Mike Martz spent the off-season tinkering with the offense, bringing in three new blockers, a tight end and fullback in free agency. Regardless, if Kurt Warner and Marshall Faulk stay healthy for 16 games, the Rams are a Super Bowl contender. FINAL 2002 RANK: 21

18. Denver: Since the retirement of John Elway after the 1998 season, the Broncos have scuffled along with a 34-30 record - and Mike Shanahan is no longer considered a genius. The Brian Griese era was a short one; now it’s on to Jake Plummer. Sub-par drafts and poor decisions in free agency have shackled the Broncos to mediocrity. FINAL 2002 RANK: 17

19. San Francisco: Steve Mariucci didn’t get as much credit as he deserved for rebuilding the 49ers and developing QB Jeff Garcia. Certainly not from the 49ers, anyway, who fired him after winning the NFC West in 2002. It’s up to Dennis Erickson now to take the 49ers to the next step. But the days of Steve Young, Jerry Rice and those automatic W’s are done. FINAL 2002 RANK: 8

20. Buffalo: The Bills were close in 2002 with an 8-8 record, but it still wasn’t good enough to get them out of last place in the AFC East. So Buffalo added five veteran starters from other teams in free agency, including defensive impact players Sam Adams and Takeo Spikes. The offensive future is bright with Willis McGahee at tailback in 2004. FINAL 2002 RANK: 18

21. N.Y. Jets: The Jets took a beating in the off-season from the Washington Redskins, who swiped their kicker (John Hall), kick returner (Chad Morton), top receiver (Laveranues Coles) and a starting guard (Randy Thomas) in free agency. It’ll be the Chad Pennington-Curtis Martin Show in 2003. FINAL 2002 RANK: 12

22. Carolina: The Panthers fielded the NFL’s second-best defense in John Fox’s debut season as coach. The arrival of two-time NFC rushing champ Stephen Davis gives the Panthers a ball-control element that will keep that defense well-rested. Jake Delhomme is the new quarterback. FINAL 2002 RANK: 23

23. Minnesota: The Vikings will become a playoff contender when their defense becomes more than a mere punching bag. No. 1 draft pick Kevin Williams was the best pass-rushing tackle in the 2003 draft, and free agent LB Chris Claiborne and CB Denard Walker represent major upgrades. FINAL 2002 RANK: 24

24. Baltimore: Ray Lewis missed 11 games in 2002 with a separated shoulder, and the Ravens tumbled to 22nd in defense in his absence. He’s back, and the Ravens have given him a new playmate at linebacker in NCAA sack leader Terrell Suggs. The offensive focus remains on RB Jamaal Lewis. FINAL 2002 RANK: 22

25. Chicago: Injuries and 16 road games denied the Bears the chance to repeat as division champ in 2002. Kordell Stewart gives Chicago mobility and playmaking ability at quarterback, but the key on offense will be Anthony Thomas. The A-Train needs to average 4.4 yards per carry, not 3.4. FINAL 2002 RANK: 27

26. Washington: The Redskins were certainly the busiest NFL team in the off-season, signing 15 free agents. Saddled with a slow offensive team in his first year, Steve Spurrier made speed a priority this off-season. He found it in RB Trung Canidate (trade) and WR Laveranues Coles (free agency). FINAL 2002 RANK: 25

27. Cincinnati: New coach Marvin Lewis and veteran free agents John Thornton, Kevin Hardy and Tory James will make the Bengals competitive on defense. Cincinnati already has a 3,000-yard passer (Jon Kitna) and a 1,000-yard rusher (Corey Dillon) to keep them competitive on offense. FINAL 2002 RANK: 32

28. Jacksonville: The Jaguars finished 25th in the NFL in offense, but good health by QB Mark Brunell, RB Fred Taylor and WR Jimmy Smith should fix that. Jack Del Rio was hired as head coach to fix the defense. A former Pro Bowl linebacker himself, Del Rio coordinated the NFL’s No. 2-ranked defense in 2002. FINAL 2002 RANK: 26

29. Dallas: Bill Parcells carries a tremendous burden of expectation on his shoulders. But he is without an established passer and runner and has no pass rush. That will slow the rebuilding process in Year 1 of the Parcells Era. FINAL 2002 RANK: 29

30. Detroit: The Lions are assembling an impressive offensive cast with the mind of Steve Mariucci, the arm of Joey Harrington and the hands of Charles Rogers. Unfortunately for the Lions, defense still wins championships. FINAL 2002 RANK: 30

31. Arizona: Not since John Riggins in 1983 has a back Emmitt Smith’s age rushed for 1,000 yards in a season. Riggo was the last 34-year-old to gain 1,000 - and he did it for the NFC champion Redskins. The Cardinals are no contender. FINAL 2002 RANK: 28

32. Houston: Experience and rookie WR Andre Johnson will make David Carr a better quarterback in his second season. But the Texans are still a running back and pass rusher away from being a threat in the AFC South. FINAL 2002 RANK: 31

[DJ_Money]

Wow...I really don't know where to start.

-I'm sure many will disagree, but until Miami gets a QB, I can't see them winning a Super Bowl. Arguably the best RB and Defense in the game...but, then again, Trent Dilfer has a ring.

-It's nice to see the Falcons at #2, but we're still not better than Tampa Bay or Philly. Give us another 1-2 years...

-Seattle above SF and STL? Why?! They still have no pass rush or run D. Their #1 Pick is a Nickel back.

-Priest is a huge question mark for KC. No way they make it out of a division with Oakland, Denver, and San Diego.

-Tennessee didn't make any big move, but they didn't need to. Too low on this list.

-Cleveland is unsettled at QB and let half of their already poor defense go. They'll be lucky to go .500

-The AFC East is the best division in football. All 4 teams could be top 12-15. Buffalo and NYJ at 20/21 is a joke.

-Minnesota was pulling it together towards the end of last year. Culpepper can't get any worse, Moss is the best reciever in the NFL, and Bennett is still getting better. They made some good moves on D. Plus, they play in the Central will two bottom feeders and a declining GB, don't be shocked if they win the division.

-Baltimore at 24 is the biggest laugher, though. They've got Pro Bowlers all over their Defense. Lewis, McCalister, Hartwell, Reed, McCrary, Suggs...if their offense scores 10, they'll be in every game.

Other than that, great list!

[cyman3]

I agree, on any given day- i think the Falcons can take any team in the NFC other than BUCS/EAGLES. Bucs/Eagles will still give us problems... but then again- this is football. Anything can happen, ask GREENBAY! lol

Miami needs a good quarterback... if VICK played for MIAMI, call the season off- they would win the superbowl.

Balitmore had some injury issues, if they fix that... they're one of the best defensive teams. Vikings had an off year last year, their offense is just as good as baltimores defense.

[chillzatl]

Good to see Vick getting some credit for aspects of his game other than his running ability. He's got a cannon for an arm and has excellent accuracy.

But I agree, I don't think we are a #2 team, yet. But I'd love to be proven wrong!

[Admin]

last year before Fiedler broke his thumb against Denver, Miami was the NFLs top ranked team by most publications and had the best record in football. I believe they were 6-1 and they won that 6th game against Denver, coming back to win in one of the best games in a long long time as Elam and Mare traded 50+ yard fg's in the last minute.....all with Fiedler leading them to victory with a broken thumb. Granted he is no Marino, Montana, or Elway, but he usually finds a way to win. They added another WR Derrius Thompson who is possibly on the verge of breaking out this year and now they have also have a real veteran QB backing Fiedler up (who should end up starting by next season in Griese). Also the entire offense is back now that Gadsden is going to resign and they will all be going into year 2 under Norv Turner and should put up huge numbers if they ride Ricky. Bottom line is that the offense will be much improved (should be anyway) and if Fiedler stays healthy I dont see any team in the league that they cant beat. Now, concerning what was the #3 defense last year, they added Junior Seau, Sammy Knight, Terrell Buckley, and Jeff Zgnonia (sp?) to the new unit. Adding that much veteran talent (2 of them with super bowl rings) and they probably are the best unit in football. I would say they are the most intelligent defense in a long time, possibly ever as far as leadership is concerned with Seau and Zach Thomas, which goes a long way. Of course I am a homer being a Dolphins fan and all, but I really think its quite possible that Miami will represent the AFC in the super bowl this year and its not far fetched that the Falcons could join them.

[Guest]

11. Tennessee: How much gas is left in Eddie George’s tank? This is a ball-control offense that needs George to chew up yardage and the clock. The Titans can’t do that with George averaging only 3.4 yards per carry again. But he turns 30 in September and is on the downside of his career. As George goes, so go the Titans. FINAL 2002 RANK: 4"

Why do these idiots still believe George is the Titans

best player?Didn't they watch the playoffs at all?

[Admin]

Yeah I think that Eddie is through......he hasnt been Eddie George in 3-4 years. I wont waste my time trying to acquire him in fantasy football this year I can promise you that. The Titans really do need a good RB though in order to be a complete team and I just dont think they have it. They ought to consider a trade for Thomas Jones. He isnt a great RB, but surely he can do better than 3.4 per carry behind that line.

[Guest]

The Titans offensive line has also crumbled in recent

years.Eddie George hasn't been the same since that

last playoff game againest the Ravens when he droped

a big pass.Maybe Denver is willing to give up a RB?

I don't see much from the Titans this year.Next to nothing

in depth and they have holes at the offensive line/RB and

WR spots.Alot of people think Justin McCariens and the

other guy(can't think of his name)can hold down the 2

slot.Derek Mason isn't going to have many good chances

and Frank Wycheck hasn't been as offensive as he used

to be..So I don't know.I hope for a healthy season for

Javon and Andre Dyson.

[Traceman]

I still think Tampa is the team to beat in the NFL but after that, I think it's a toss up. I think the Falcons, Eagles, Packers and Saints are all capable of making a run. I think health will be the key for all of these teams, even Tampa.

[KB21]

Miami is great looking on paper, but I have absolutely no confidence that they can win with Jay Fiedler at QB and Dave Wannstedt as the head coach.

A lot will depend on the playoff draw. Miami matches up the best with Oakland, Tennessee, and Pittsburgh. They don't match up well with Kansas City and Buffalo.