Preseason Power Rankings

One of my favorite columns to read and write about is the Power Rankings because there is no right or wrong. It is all based on opinions and can lead to endless debate. I realize that a preseason Power Ranking is even more useless than normal, but since ESPN.com put one together, I felt it was time for me to get back to sharing where the NFC East falls in the rankings, as well as the teams that are relevant to the Giants. In this case, we will drag in those teams the Gmen will face in the beginning of the season.

New York Giants – 11 (12)

"“Missing the playoffs for a second consecutive year is not an option for Tom Coughlin.”"

It’s playoffs or bust for the boys in blue, and in keeping this in mind I am lukewarm about their free agency moves these last couple of weeks. Signing Bradshaw was huge, and I like their changes on the o-line and in playing hardball with Osi. And I will be forever grateful that there is a new punter in town. But Steve Smith hasn’t been signed yet and they let Boss walk. I hear the arguments that there can be positives from losing these guys, I am just not buying it yet.

Philadelphia Eagles – 3 (7)

"“Only one thing will make this season a success — winning the franchise’s first Vince Lombardi Trophy.”"

No surprise that ESPN has jumped on the Eagles bandwagon with all their big moves in free agency. I am not saying these moves haven’t made me nervous, but I believe championship teams are built in the draft. Moreover, all these big names aside, this is Michael Vick’s team, and wins will fall on his shoulders first. In many ways he is at risk for a sophomore slump, and if this happens alongside his high injury rate, this team may not be as scary as we think.

Dallas Cowboys – 16 (18)

"“It will be interesting to see Rob Ryan’s effect on the Cowboys’ defense.”"

This is the first time in recent memory that the NFC East hasn’t been handed to the Cowboys before the season starts. And with good reason. This has been a quiet time for them as they have been working to free up cap space (or maybe we can’t hear what they are doing over the noise in Philly). Romo will be back after a nasty injury, so we have to wonder how long it will take him to shake the cobwebs. And now that Jason Garrett has part of a season under his belt as head coach we will all see what he and his team is actually capable of in the first few weeks.

Washington Redskins – 29 (26)

"“In a few more weeks, Mike Shanahan might wish he had kept Donovan McNabb.”"

They made the moves we all knew they would make: sending McNabb and Haynesworth packing, resigning Santana Moss. They are in a major rebuilding year, plain and simple. They have many holes that need to be filled and should spend the season getting back to basics and building on whatever positives come out of each game.

St. Louis Rams – 15 (17)

"“Sam Bradford, Josh McDaniels a compelling combination for the Rams.”"

Skipping over preseason and week one against the Redskins, the Giants will face Spags and Co. in their home opener. This should be a fun game if you, like me, still miss our old defense coordinator. Nothing against Fewell of course, I am a fan of his too!

Arizona Cardinals 21 (28)

"“Kevin Kolb’s arrival restores hope at quarterback, but time will tell whether Kolb’s the answer.”"

Week four got a whole lot more interesting with the arrival of Kevin Kolb in Arizona. He hasn’t had much opportunity to show what he can do, but he did spend several years on the Eagles, watching and studying the Giants. It has all the makings of a breakout game for him, so we need to hope that the scene of Super Bowl XLII still has some Giant magic left.

Stay tuned to Gmen HQ each week for regular Power Ranking updates, and feel free to comment below.