Writing the Pine

Anderson’s NFL Week 9 Power 10

1. New Orleans Saints (8-0) – The Saints just keep finding ways to win regardless of the score. After never trailing in their first 5 games, New Orleans has had to come from behind in their last 3 games played. While Sunday’s deficit against the Carolina Panthers was not as great as their deficit against the Miami Dolphins, the manner in which the Saints had to come back was equally impressive. Carolina’s running game is back on track and looks just as potent as it was last year, while the defense seems to be back to its stout self as well. The Saints had to learn to contain the two headed running game of the Panthers, while figuring out how to score despite getting immense pressure from the Panthers’ front four. They made great adjustments at halftime, namely attacking the intermediate parts of the field and utilizing the speed of receivers, Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem. Meanwhile, their run defense tightened up as they are still trying to figure out ways to cover up the loss of defensive tackle, Sedrick Ellis. The Saints have two easy games ahead against the Rams and Bucs until they head into their Monday Night game against the New England Patriots.

2. Indianapolis Colts (8-0) – I know Peyton Manning didn’t have his greatest statistical game yesterday, but with all due respect to Drew Brees, he is the clear frontrunner for MVP right now. Manning has led the Colts to an undefeated records despite not having a consistent running game and the Colts’ defense losing two critical players for the season in Marlon Jackson and Bob Sanders. Not to be lost is the admirable game that the Colts defense played yesterday in spite of their missing players, holding a potent Texans offense to under 20 points.

3. Minnesota Vikings (7-1) – The Vikings entered Week 9 in a bye week. The timing of this bye week was great for them given that Antoine Winfield and some of their receivers are battling injuries. I look for Adrian Peterson to continue to run hard as the Vikings continue their quest for home field throughout the playoffs.

4. Cincinnati Bengals (6-2) – Despite having alot of close wins earlier this season, make no mistake about it, the Bengals are the cream of the crop in the AFC North. They simply manhandled the Baltimore Ravens yesterday on both sides of the ball. I need to apologize to Cedric Benson since I didn’t think that he could keep up his rushing pace. He is legit. I also need to apologize to Chad Ochocinco for not including him in the discussion of ‘Best Receiver’ in the league. (Yeah, he bribed me to write that.) While they might not be the best team, I think the Bengals are most complete team in the AFC right now.

5. New England Patriots (6-2) – Tom Brady is rounding into midseason form much like Peyton Manning did last season after starting off slow due to surgery. The Patriots suffered a few, close early season losses, but I think that could be attributed to not having Wes Welker in the slot. Welker appears to be Brady’s go to guy whenever he is in a bind. The defense is playing much better. Next week’s battle against the Colts will prove to be a battle for AFC supremacy.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2) – The Steelers defense is officially back! After struggling to finish off games, the Steelers defense has been able to finish off games in typical Steeler fashion during the past few games in critical moments. Not only that, but their defense is scoring touchdowns again. Rashard Mendenhall has reignited the running game despite the problems on the offensive line. Look for the Steelers to compete with the Colts and Patriots for home field throughout the playoffs given their soft schedule at the end of the season.

7. Denver Broncos (6-2) – The Broncos had a rough loss on Monday Night football. Their defense has proven to be a legitimate Top 5 defense in the league. However, the offense is proving to be inept as their dink and dunk offense won’t be enough to sustain their division league against the rising San Diego Chargers. Their rushing game is average at best and after Brandon Marshall, they don’t have any weapons that they can go downfield with. I don’t think the issue lies within the receivers. I feel like Eddie Royal and Tony Scheffler are capable of making plays down the field. I just don’t think Kyle Orton has the arm to consistently attack the middle of the field. People are already jumping on the Broncos bandwagon in the ‘Who won the Jay Cutler trade debate’, but I think Josh McDaniels will live to regret dealing Jay Cutler.

8. Dallas Cowboys (6-2) – The Cowboys are back! After sleeping in the cellar in the NFC East, they’ve rounded out some impressive wins against the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles and now sit alone on top of their division. The credit for their resurgence has to go to Miles Austin, who’s fighting for a Pro Bowl spot right now. He’s been unguardable seemingly whenever Tony Romo gets him the ball. Roy Williams seemed to play alot better on Sunday despite the comments of frustration that he made during the week. I still think that the Cowboys need to get Jason WItten much more involved if they are to go far this season.

9. Arizona Cardinals (5-3) – After dropping an egg last week against Carolina, the Cardinals responded in a big way. The biggest improvement that they’ve made this year has been their improved focus when playing on the road. They were simply atrocious last season in this department. They are also slowly become more committed to the run game. Beanie Wells is running with much authority and his yards after contact is impressive. The defense needs to continue to play more consistently. One thing to keep an eye on is Anquan Boldin’s play. He hasn’t nearly made the same impact this season as he did last season. And one has to wonder if it’s because he continues to be disgruntled. Ken Whisenhunt’s decision to bench Boldin for precautionary reasons will bring more attention to this matter in the following weeks.

10. Atlanta Falcons (5-3) – The Falcons fought valiantly last Monday Night against the Saints. There were alot of positive things that came out of that game despite the loss. First, Michael Turner seems to be back on track. He is running hard and being that same workhorse back that he was last season. Secondly, they found out that they could keep up with the best team in the league on the road. That momentum carried over to their win this Sunday against the lowly Redskins. I don’t think the Falcons miss Deangelo Hall at all.