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**motife** · 01-01-2008, 10:17 AM

Defensive Backs :

The Colts have toiled in the Patriots' shadow in the AFC this season, but according to Scouts Inc., the Indianapolis defensive secondary is second to none among all playoff teams.

1. Indianapolis Colts
You might think the sum of this secondary is greater than its individual parts, but there are some excellent players in this group. SS Bob Sanders is a known commodity and one of the best defensive players in the league when healthy. He is a game changer and a nasty physical presence. The Colts also have two young players who fly under the radar: CB Marlin Jackson and FS Antoine Bethea. Both have come on in a big way this year and have bright futures in the NFL.

2. Green Bay Packers
No team in the league asks more of its cornerbacks than the Packers do of Al Harris and Charles Woodson. Green Bay employs a great deal of man-to-man coverage, and Woodson and Harris excel in those situations, even though Harris isn't having his best year. The safeties, however, are very inconsistent. SS Atari Bigby flies around the field and makes plays in the running game, but he is a liability in coverage. Harris and Woodson make up for a lot of the deficiencies at safety and are the most important components of this overall excellent defense.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers' secondary is exceptional for their system. It is not a high-profile group, but CB Ronde Barber is making a case for himself as a future Hall of Famer with an outstanding body of work over his career. FS Tanard Jackson is one of the best safeties you don't know yet, but you'll hear about him soon enough. This secondary is particularly good at taking away its opponents' No. 1 receivers, which could pay big dividends in the postseason.

4. New England Patriots
CB Asante Samuel is a great player and the kind of corner quarterbacks need to be fearful of when choosing where to throw the ball. Samuel jumps routes extremely well and can quickly turn the ball around and take it to the house. S Rodney Harrison is known for being as tough as nails and showing infectious leadership, and he surely will step up his game in the postseason. This group certainly benefits from the fact that the Patriots so often play with the lead, but the Patriots' defensive backs are experienced in big games and won't flinch when the chips are down.

5. Seattle Seahawks
CB Marcus Trufant is getting his hands on the ball with regularity and has become one of the top corners in the league. Trufant is a difference maker and should only get better. The Seahawks also have very good cornerback depth to handle multiple-receiver sets. Seattle revamped its group of safeties over the offseason and should be quite happy with the results. Deon Grant and Brian Russell are intelligent and understand where they need to be, showing the difference that defensive backs coach Jim Mora has made for the Seahawks.

6. Dallas Cowboys
The addition of FS Ken Hamlin has been instrumental in the improvement of the Dallas pass defense. Hamlin has upgraded what was possibly the Cowboys' weakest position a year ago with a Pro Bowl-caliber performance. CB Terence Newman also ranks among the elite players at his position and is a special athlete. Anthony Henry is a fine second corner but sees a lot of action with Newman on the other side. SS Roy Williams is a liability in coverage but is a killer against the run and should stay near the line of scrimmage.

7. San Diego Chargers
The safeties are not flashy, but they are solid, and rookie Eric Weddle is a star-in-waiting. The real story, though, is CB Antonio Cromartie, who replaced Drayton Florence as a starter near the middle of the season. Cromartie has quickly turned into a special player and finished the regular season with a league-high 10 interceptions. Cromartie's athletic ability and natural playmaking skills are off the charts, and Florence has turned into a decent sub-package player.

8. Pittsburgh Steelers
If CB Ike Taylor had even decent hands for the interception, he would be a potential Pro Bowl corner. He is tall, very fast and beginning to come into his own as a cover man. Deshea Townsend is an underrated but solid veteran cover man. And senseless guarantees aside, FS Anthony Smith is a lights-out hitter and should have a bright future if he can temper his aggressiveness. Star SS Troy Polamalu has had a down year by his lofty standards but remains a do-it-all difference maker who can change a game very quickly.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars
First-round FS Reggie Nelson has improved as the season has progressed, and it is no accident that the secondary as a whole has followed suit. Jacksonville has a good set of starting cornerbacks in Brian Williams and Rashean Mathis. Williams is tough and physical but can be exposed deep, while Mathis has a long build with great speed and big-play capabilities.

10. Washington Redskins
While Sean Taylor's murder might have galvanized this team and certainly could be a reason for its late-season resurgence, he is missed tremendously on the field. The losses of Taylor and CB Carlos Rogers (injured reserve, knee) have left the Redskins without two very talented players. CB Shawn Springs is getting up in age but still is performing well, while veteran Fred Smoot is too inconsistent. At this point, though, Washington is lucky to have Smoot. Rookie first-round S LaRon Landry is too aggressive at times, but he brings attitude and clearly is on his way to becoming an excellent safety.

11. Tennessee Titans
This is an aggressive secondary that isn't afraid to lay the lumber. It also benefits from an outstanding pass rush. While this secondary lacks star power, CB Nick Harper and SS Chris Hope have been solid recent free-agent signings. First-round selection Michael Griffin has played cornerback and safety in his rookie season, and has the look of a player who will be an impact defender in the near future.

12. New York Giants
There is some young talent in the Giants' secondary, but overall, this area is a weakness for New York. The secondary would be exposed further were it not for the Giants' outstanding pass rush. First-round CB Aaron Ross looks like a keeper and is a great blend of size, toughness and speed. More seasoning, specifically in the playoffs, should do him a lot of good.

**motife** · 01-01-2008, 10:19 AM

Defensive Lines :

Their running backs have been banged up and their quarterback has been up and down, but the Giants' defensive line has been the best in the league all season in terms of rushing the passer. Things are no different heading into the playoffs, as New York leads Scouts Inc.'s rankings of the defensive lines of all 12 postseason teams.

1. New York Giants
The New York defense started to gel during a Week 3 win over division rival Washington, and the Giants haven't looked back. They lead the league with 53 sacks, thanks in large part to the trio of DEs Osi Umenyiora, Michael Strahan and Justin Tuck. The overall talent of the group makes it hard for opposing offensive lines to concentrate on a single player. Many offensive coordinators have to adjust their protections and keep extra blockers in to counter this outstanding defensive unit. This front four also is stout against the run, yielding only 97.7 yards per game.

2. New England Patriots
New England's defensive line is one of the most underrated in the league. The combination of NT Vince Wilfork and DEs Richard Seymour and Ty Warren is formidable for any offense to contend with. This group doesn't mark up big sack numbers but is excellent at collapsing the pocket while allowing fewer than 100 yards per game on the ground. Defensive coordinator Dean Pees has great flexibility with the rest of the unit due to the consistent production of his front line.

3. Tennessee Titans
The Titans' defensive front is one of the best in the league when DT Albert Haynesworth is on the field. Haynesworth missed some time in the regular season due to injury, but Tennessee still ranked fifth in the league in total defense (298.1 yards per game). DE Kyle Vanden Bosch is excellent versus both the run and the pass, while Antwan Odom has had his best year as a pro on the opposite side. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz's 4-3 scheme relies heavily on Haynesworth to collapse the pocket and to anchor the middle versus the run.

4. San Diego Chargers
The Chargers' defense is a talented unit anchored by three down linemen in the trenches. At 6-foot-2 and 350 pounds, NT Jamal Williams is one of the better defenders in the league when it comes to holding the point. Williams' strength and short-area quickness draw many double teams, which frees up other defenders. Defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell's base 3-4 scheme also uses two underrated ends, Igor Olshansky and Jacques Cesaire. Olshansky shows great hand use and leverage as a run-defender, and is active as a pass-rusher.

5. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys use an aggressive 3-4 scheme led by three physical defenders up front. This defensive line can be imposing because all the players weigh more than 300 pounds and DE Chris Canty uses his 6-7 frame to gain leverage versus the run and disrupt the passing game. All three frontline players use their hands well to disengage the ball against the run and get opponents off balance against the pass. Their sack numbers aren't impressive, but they are stout against the run, giving up 92.1 yards per game. Most opponents have to get their rushing yards on the outside, since the middle of this defense is rock-solid.

6. Green Bay Packers
The Packers employ an aggressive 4-3 scheme that uses a variety of interior stunts and twists. DTs Ryan Pickett and Corey Williams anchor the middle, with Williams the better athlete while on the move. Green Bay rotates three defensive ends on a regular basis, depending on down and distance. Aaron Kampman is excellent versus the run and the pass, while Cullen Jenkins is best as a run-defender and Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila is a better pass-rusher. Kampman and Gbaja-Biamila have outstanding hand use and are quick to pressure quarterbacks; they have 21.5 sacks between them.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars' defensive front consistently has been one of the better units in the league over the past six seasons. When Marcus Stroud and John Henderson teamed up in the middle of Jacksonville's 4-3 defense, they forced offenses to test the perimeter in the running game and collapsed the pocket in the passing game. Even without Stroud, who ended the season on injured reserve, the Jaguars allowed fewer than 100 rushing yards per game. Defensive coordinator Mike Smith will utilize several defensive ends, but Paul Spicer has been the most disruptive.

8. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks' defensive line has flown under the radar but is one of the better fronts in the league. The best-known player is DE Patrick Kerney, who finished the regular season with 14 sacks. Kerney has great length and strength as a perimeter defender, and often needs extra attention to be kept at bay. Two talented youngsters, DE Darryl Tapp and DT Brandon Mebane, have played well next to six-year veteran Rocky Bernard. As a result, defensive coordinator John Marshall doesn't have to overextend the rest of the defense.

9. Pittsburgh Steelers
Veteran defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau has been able to continue his run of success with his 3-4 scheme by using a variety of stunts, twists and blitz packages. This unit is anchored by talented NT Casey Hampton, who draws many double teams because of his disruptive power and short-area quickness in the middle. This group's numbers on the stat sheet are not too impressive, but they are one of the reasons the Steelers are ranked as the No. 1 overall defense in the league.

10. Washington Redskins
Washington's defense has been banged up much of the season but has played well down the stretch. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams uses a base 4-3 front, and DE Andre Carter is his marquee player. Opposite Carter is an effective technician, Phillip Daniels, while the interior is anchored by two solid run-stoppers, Anthony Montgomery and Cornelius Griffin. Williams likes to use a variety of stunts and twists up front with pressure packages that use a lot of movement by his down linemen. This group has gotten better as the season has progressed.

11. Indianapolis Colts
Tony Dungy's defense is built on quickness, speed, instincts and physical play. The Colts' defensive line is somewhat undersized but still very active with a variety of stunts and pressure packages. However, the loss of DE Dwight Freeney has hampered this unit's progress. DE Robert Mathis is a force as an outside pass-rusher, while DT Raheem Brock is a versatile interior defender.

12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Veteran defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin has put together another fine unit for the Buccaneers. The middle of the line is anchored by two athletic but somewhat undersized DTs, Chris Hovan and Jovan Haye, who play with great intensity and are productive due to their great technique and leverage. Kiffin's front has talented rookie first-rounder Gaines Adams and 13-year veteran Kevin Carter on the perimeter, and backup DE Greg White has been a pleasant surprise with eight sacks on the season.

**motife** · 01-01-2008, 10:20 AM

Linebackers :

1. Dallas Cowboys
DeMarcus Ware and Greg Ellis are prototypical 3-4 outside linebackers who come off the edge with premier speed and acceleration. Ware and Ellis have 14 and 12.5 sacks, respectively. On the inside, the Cowboys are led by Bradie James, who has a rare combination of athleticism, instincts and intelligence, and who led the team with 101 tackles during the regular season.

2. San Diego Chargers
Like the Cowboys, the Chargers are led by their 3-4 outside linebackers. Shaun Phillips and Shawne Merriman have combined for 21 total sacks on the season, and both must be accounted for in pass protection on every snap. On the inside, Stephen Cooper and Matt Wilhelm are above-average athletes who have tallied 108 and 97 tackles, respectively, on the season.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are led by ILB James Farrior, who is an adequate athlete with great instincts and superior technique. Farrior has lost some of his speed during his 11 years in the league, but he makes up for it with impressive recognitions skills. OLB James Harrison continues the Steelers' tradition of linebackers who terrorize quarterbacks on the blitz. As a whole, this is an active unit that will come at opponents from all angles.

4. Green Bay Packers
Pro Bowl ILB Nick Barnett brings an excellent combination of coverage skills and ability to play the run. Second-year WLB AJ Hawk brings a nasty temperament and an all-out attitude to the field and is extremely instinctive, while SLB Brady Poppinga is better going forward than dropping into coverage but plays with high levels of effort and intensity.

5. Seattle Seahawks
MLB Lofa Tatupu is a quality athlete with a nose for the ball, and his effort and intensity carry over to the rest of the defense. WLB Julian Peterson continues to play at a Pro Bowl level, coming off the edge and getting after the quarterback. This is an athletic unit that plays a fast game.

6. Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis linebackers are on the small side, but all possess great instincts, speed and athleticism. MLB Gary Brackett leads a unit that is not all that great when taking on blockers but runs well and can find the ball quickly. This is a scheme-oriented group that needs protection in order to run freely to the ball.

7. New England Patriots
The Patriots have the oldest corps of linebackers in the league, but they posses an innate sense of how to work as a unit and make plays. ILB Tedy Bruschi is the heart and soul of the defense, and what Bruschi lacks in speed and athleticism, he makes up in intensity and understanding. OLB Mike Vrabel also is having an excellent season as a pass rusher off the edge.

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers are led by MLB Barrett Ruud, who defines the term "overachiever." Ruud lacks top agility, explosiveness and fluidity, but he makes up for it with instant recognition that helps him get to the ball. The Bucs have extremely athletic OLBs, Cato June and Derrick Brooks, who run well but need to be protected. Brooks is the emotional leader of the defense and still plays with a great motor after 13 years in the NFL.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars
MLB Mike Peterson is an extremely athletic linebacker who possesses rare speed, and while he missed most of the second half of the season, he hopes to be ready by the time the playoffs start. He can diagnose plays quickly and fill run lanes or drop into coverage with equal effectiveness. Even if Peterson is out, the Jaguars will hardly miss a step, moving OLB Daryl Smith to the inside. OLB Clint Ingram also is athletic, but like the rest of the group, he is most effective when protected.

10. New York Giants
The Giants are led by slightly undersized MLB Antonio Pierce, who can struggle when taking on blockers but knows how to get to the ballcarrier and is extremely active. WLB Kawika Mitchell moved from the inside to the outside when he arrived from Kansas City, and it is a more natural position for him. He is more effective going forward than he is dropping into space, but like SLB Reggie Torbor, he lacks premier instincts and technique.

11. Tennessee Titans
OLB Keith Bulluck, who has played at a Pro Bowl level since arriving in Tennessee as a first-round draft pick in 2000, has prototypical size, speed and instincts. MLB Stephen Tulloch brings good straight-line speed and can deliver a good blow when tackling. Overall, this athletic group relies more on speed and agility than raw strength and power.

12. Washington Redskins
This collection of productive veteran linebackers brings a lot of instincts and football smarts to the defense. They are led by MLB London Fletcher, who, despite his short stature, has played at a high level each of his 10 years in the league. SLB Marcus Washington has returned to form after a knee injury at the end of the 2006 season.

**motife** · 01-01-2008, 10:22 AM

Offenses :
1-12 QB, RB, Rec, OL

1. New England Patriots 1 8 1 1
1. Indianapolis Colts 2 4 2 3
3. Dallas Cowboys 4 3 3 2
4. San Diego Chargers 9 1 7 4
5. Jacksonville Jaguars 7 2 10 5
6. Green Bay Packers 5 9 4 8
7. Pittsburgh Steelers 3 11 5 12
7. New York Giants 10 5 9 7
9. Seattle Seahawks 6 12 6 11
9. Washington Redskins 11 6 8 10
11. Tennessee Titans 12 7 12 6
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 8 10 11 9

**motife** · 01-01-2008, 10:25 AM

Quarterbacks :

1. New England Patriots
Tom Brady has had a season that might never be duplicated. Brady has been virtually unstoppable in a passing game that features four- and five-wide receiver sets, empty backfield sets, shotgun formations and the most innovative play calling of any team in the NFL. He leads the league in touchdowns and completion percentage and his quarterback rating is off the charts. He has the best deep ball in the league, he reads his progressions superbly and he is Peyton Manning-like in his decision-making.

2. Indianapolis Colts
Peyton Manning has flown under the radar somewhat thanks to Brady's incredible season, but it would be a huge mistake to underestimate what Manning brings to the table. He has been shorthanded for much of the season due to a knee injury to WR Marvin Harrison; TE Dallas Clark has also been banged up. Yet Manning continues to get the ball to whoever takes the field for the Colts with his uncanny ability to find the best matchup and his total command of all aspects of the offense.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers
Ben Roethlisberger has shaken off all his problems of 2006 and had a very positive year in 2007. Big Ben has been productive and taken good care of the ball, which has led to a 104.1 passer rating that trails only Brady among all NFL quarterbacks. Roethlisberger is a master at play-action; his size and strength make him very tough to sack, and he is very dangerous when throwing on the run.

4. Dallas Cowboys
Tony Romo may be the most innovative quarterback in the league; nobody is better at creating something on a broken or bad play. Romo shows dynamic playmaking and leadership skills, and he makes a lot of good throws under pressure. However, he can still be a little streaky, and when things go bad for him, they are truly bad. Romo is so confident that he will force the ball at times, but you can live with that when you consider all the other attributes he brings to the table.

5. Green Bay Packers
At age 38, Brett Favre has had a season to remember and is operating a very explosive passing game with a variety of spread formations, empty sets and a quick-hitting offense that runs the slant to perfection. He has a group of receivers who excel at making yards after the catch on those slants, and Favre can still throw a great deep ball. He has cut down on his mistakes this season and is not forcing nearly as many balls into coverage. Favre is the ultimate leader, and at this point it looks like he could play into his 40s.

6. Seattle Seahawks
When Seattle's running game floundered early in the season, coach Mike Holmgren made a conscious effort to change the offense from a run-oriented approach to a pass-heavy scheme. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has become the key to the Seahawks' success, and he has been playing at a very high level, maybe the best of his career. He still has an occasional streak of inconsistency, but he is a master of the West Coast offense, and when he gets into a good rhythm he is tough to beat.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars
A lot of people questioned the wisdom of coach Jack Del Rio when he inserted David Garrard in place of Byron Leftwich just before the season began, but now that the Jaguars are in the playoffs it looks like the most astute move of the 2007 season. Garrard operates a run-oriented offense but makes the most of his passing opportunities. His best attribute is that he does not make mistakes or force the ball into double coverage. He is third in the NFL in quarterback rating at 102.2 and simply does not throw costly interceptions.

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
As Jeff Garcia goes, so go the Bucs. Garcia is a coach on he field for the Tampa Bay offense and is one of the few guys on the team who can match coach Jon Gruden in terms of preparation and demand for excellence in the Bucs' sophisticated offense. While he doesn't have a big arm, Garcia is very accurate in the short-to-intermediate passing game and still has excellent pocket mobility and the ability to create on the move. When he gets into a groove, Garcia is tough to beat; but as tough as he is, he isn't very durable, and that is a concern.

9. San Diego Chargers
As complete a team as the Chargers are, the one area of concern is the inconsistency of Philip Rivers. He just does not look like the same guy he was in 2006, both mechanically and physically. His decision-making and deep accuracy are up and down, but he still has a strong arm, and he shows good pocket awareness and feet. He's a young quarterback who prepares well and has good instincts, so his consistency should improve.

10. New York Giants
Eli Manning continues to be an inconsistent quarterback who is capable of solid production but who also makes mistakes and bad decisions that should not happen given his level of experience. Manning has good physical skills and will tease you with some good throws, but then he goes through periods in which is mechanics and accuracy are lacking. On top of that, his body language is very laid-back, and that does not help because it sometimes appears that he lacks confidence.

11. Washington Redskins
With starter Jason Campbell bothered by a knee injury, veteran backup Todd Collins has stepped in and done a remarkable job. Collins actually runs the offense better than Campbell, although he has fewer physical skills. Campbell has a big arm and can make all the throws, but he is still learning how to read defenses and his accuracy must improve. Collins, on the other hand, is accurate and manages the game very well.

12. Tennessee Titans
Vince Young operates one of the worst passing games in the NFL, and while nobody can question his athleticism and physical skills, Young's lack of accuracy and questionable decision-making are holding the Tennessee offense back. He is at his best when he is on the move and looking downfield as the defense breaks down. Young has a big arm, though, and he can throw a good deep ball. But despite the running threat he presents, Young is running a very basic offense that is limited in the passing game and easy to game plan against. Injury concerns also factor into the ranking. If Young (quad) is out, how well will backup Kerry Collins fare leading this offense?

**motife** · 01-01-2008, 10:27 AM

Running Backs :

The 2007 playoffs are loaded with teams that use two running backs, but San Diego needs just one -- LaDainian Tomlinson. Armed with the best back in football, the Chargers edge out a few of the two-back teams for the top spot in our playoff RB rankings.

1. San Diego Chargers
Simply put, LaDainian Tomlinson is the best running back in the NFL. He has outstanding instincts and patience when setting up blockers in the Chargers' Power "O" schemes. He has very good foot quickness and natural jump-cut ability, and thanks to his explosive speed he's a threat to score anytime he touches the ball . San Diego also has a deep and talented group of backups (Michael Turner and Darren Sproles).

2. Jacksonville Jaguars
Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew form an extremely talented duo, and coach Jack Del Rio's philosophy is to pound the rock to set up the play-action attack with QB David Garrard. Taylor should have easily made the Pro Bowl and is still a home run threat anytime he touches the ball. He is most dangerous on power runs and cut-back plays. Jones-Drew is an excellent change-of-pace back. While some think of him as just a a third-down back, he is a powerful runner between the tackles and has good receiving skills.

3. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have an excellent combination in Marion Barber and Julius Jones. Barber is a very physical back who runs hard between the tackles, while Jones can be an explosive runner with game-breaking speed. Barber has additional value as a receiver out of the backfield and has the ability to wear defenses down.

4. Indianapolis Colts
RB Joseph Addai is a perfect fit in Tom Moore's offensive system with his versatility in both the running and passing games. He is a natural jump-cutter who runs with power but also has the speed to bounce outside and get on the edge in the Colts' stretch-zone plays. Addai also possesses very good receiving skills out of the backfield and is a dangerous runner after the catch. Backup Kenton Keith is an effective inside runner and a nice change-of-pace back opposite Addai.

5. New York Giants
If the Giants are going to win in the playoffs, they must rely heavily on running backs Brandon Jacobs, Reuben Droughns and Ahmad Bradshaw to take pressure off QB Eli Manning. Jacobs is a big, physical RB who has enough speed to be very effective between the tackles, and Droughns has a similar running style. The combination has a chance to wear down the opposing defense's front seven. Bradshaw displayed explosive, game-changing speed in Week 16 against the Bills.

6. Washington Redskins
Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts give the Redskins a solid 1-2 punch. Portis is an explosive back, capable of turning a short play into a long, explosive one. Betts, meanwhile, is more of a power back with deceptive speed and can be effective between the tackles. The Redskins have a versatile FB in Mike Sellers, along with an offensive line that averages 305 pounds. Sellers is an effective lead blocker who can adjust to moving targets on the second level.

7. Tennessee Titans
Offensive coordinator Norm Chow's game plans are built around a strong running game to take pressure off QB Vince Young. RB LenDale White is a big, powerful runner who has been very effective carrying the load this season. He has quick feet and a good burst to the hole. Backup RB Chris Brown is a very good inside or outside runner due to his strength and speed to get out on the edge. Rookie Chris Henry has good size and speed. This is a deep and talented group.

8. New England Patriots
With the weather conditions in New England, the Patriots will need a strong running game. The Patriots have the ability to attack both inside and outside with RB Laurence Maroney, who has a good combination of size, strength and athleticism. Late in the season, he has flashed the ability to take over games. Backup RB Kevin Faulk is a solid situational RB who has tremendous value in sub situations as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield.

9. Green Bay Packers
The Packers struggled early in the season with their ground attack but found new life with the power running of Ryan Grant. Grant is neither the most explosive nor most elusive running back in the league, but he runs hard and is a quality north-south runner who forces opposing defenses to honor the Packers' ground game. This opens up spacing on the back end for QB Brett Favre. Backups Brandon Jackson and Vernand Morency provide quality depth.

10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers were hit hard early in the season with the loss of RB Cadillac Williams. However, Earnest Graham has done a great job as the primary running back, averaging 4 yards per carry and scoring 10 touchdowns. He is competitive and runs hard between the tackles with good inline vision. Graham has additional value as a receiver out of the backfield and is a solid fit in coach Jon Gruden's West Coast offense. Backups Michael Bennett and Michael Pittman provide good depth.

11. Pittsburgh Steelers
The season-ending injury to RB Willie Parker affected the overall ranking of the Steelers. The explosive Parker was a threat to score anytime he touched the ball. Backup RB Najeh Davenport now becomes the featured runner in offensive coordinator Bruce Arian's attack. Davenport runs with power and is relatively nimble for a back his size. However, he has been more effective in open space as a receiver than between the tackles as a runner, a role that will change. The Steelers re-signed Verron Haynes to provide depth along with rookie Gary Russell.

12. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks are a passing team thanks to struggles on the offensive line as well as inconsistency running the football. RB Shaun Alexander has struggled with injuries throughout the season and has not been very effective this season. He doesn't show the same speed from a few years back and usually looks for a place to fall down between the tackles. Backup Maurice Morris is a better fit in the offense with his speed and elusiveness between the tackles. He also has some value in the passing game as a receiver out of the backfield.

**motife** · 01-01-2008, 10:28 AM

Receivers :

It was close, but with lingering concerns about Indianapolis WR Marvin Harrison's injury, it was impossible not to name Randy Moss and the New England Patriots' group of receivers as the best in the playoffs. Still, there are plenty of talented receiving corps in the playoffs this season, and it was tough to rank them 1-12.

1. New England Patriots
How do you defend against this group? Randy Moss leads this crew and is an all-time great. He has a very rare combination of height, speed, leaping ability, body control and football intelligence. Even with two guys draped all over him, throwing it deep in his direction is still a good decision. Wes Welker is a fantastic slot guy who complements Moss very well. Taking them both out of a game is nearly impossible. Of course, Ben Watson, Donte' Stallworth and Jabar Gaffney all pitch in and often have their way with single coverage. Oh, by the way, they have Tom Brady throwing to them.

2. Indianapolis Colts
If Marvin Harrison is able to come back in time for the Colts' divisional playoff game, this group could be the best of them all. In Harrison's absence, first-round pick Anthony Gonzalez has grown up quickly, while Reggie Wayne has established himself as one of the best wide receivers in the game today. TE Dallas Clark is really just a big wide receiver, and he had a fantastic season. His importance to this offense cannot be overlooked. Oh, by the way, they have Peyton Manning throwing to them.

3. Dallas Cowboys
Superstar WR Terrell Owens was injured in Week 15, but if he is able to return for Dallas' divisional playoff game, look out. Terry Glenn should be back in the rotation by then and could offer the Cowboys another big-play weapon, not that they need it. Patrick Crayton came along very well in Glenn's absence and is certainly good enough to consistently exploit one-on-one coverage. Meanwhile, Jason Witten now has to be mentioned among the elite tight ends in the game today. He is reliable and has the ability to make big plays.

4. Green Bay Packers
Brett Favre has a lot of potent weapons with this group of receivers. Donald Driver's numbers are down this year, but he is going to the Pro Bowl and remains Favre's top option. Second-year wideout Greg Jennings is an up-and-comer who provides deep speed and has a fantastic ability to stretch the field. Donald Lee is an athletic tight end who is progressing rapidly. The Packers' complementary wide receivers provide exceptional depth and give Green Bay the ability to go five wide and really put pressure on opposing secondaries.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers
Hines Ward is the tough possession option who Ben Roethlisberger has absolute faith in to come through when the Steelers need it most. Santonio Holmes has really stepped up his game in his second season, and the first-round pick now ranks among the better big-play weapons in the league. Heath Miller is a do-it-all tight end and an extremely valuable member of this offense.

6. Seattle Seahawks
This is a really good stable of wide receivers. Unfortunately for the Seahawks, they rarely had Deion Branch, D.J. Hackett, Bobby Engram and Nate Burleson all healthy at the same time. It hasn't mattered that much, though, since one wideout has consistently stepped up when another was banged up. The Seahawks can feature a four-receiver set that few teams can match.

7. San Diego Chargers
If this were just a wide receiver grade, San Diego would be much closer to the bottom of this list. However, they have TE Antonio Gates. Gates started the season strong, but injuries and opposing defenses that did everything in their power to contain him were able to slow him down. Make no mistake, though, he is the best tight end in the league. Chris Chambers and Vincent Jackson benefit a great deal from the presence of Gates and RB LaDainian Tomlinson, but they need to bring more to the table; the talent is certainly there.

8. Washington Redskins
While Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El are playmakers, neither is a true No. 1 and offer little near the red zone. Moss can change a game very quickly, but is too often battling one injury or another. The guy who makes the passing game go is Chris Cooley. Cooley is a tight end who has a great feel for finding the soft spot in coverage. He offers a lot after the catch and is tremendous in the red zone.

9. New York Giants
If healthy for the playoffs, Plaxico Burress will rank among the very best postseason wide receivers. Despite his constant ankle issue, Burress has performed at a very high level. TE Jeremy Shockey is out for the season, which puts a lot of pressure on Amani Toomer and New York's younger wideouts to step up their games and take some pressure off Burress. We have our doubts if they are capable.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars
This is a case of quantity over quality. While the Jaguars' prominent receivers aren't bad, none of them can be considered star quality, either. Because QB David Garrard spreads the ball around so efficiently, this doesn't hurt the Jaguars' pass offense all that much. However, first-round pick Reggie Williams has stepped up in a big way lately and is finally beginning to justify his draft slot. Williams isn't real quick or explosive, but he is strong and physical and has become a consistent touchdown producer.

11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Joey Galloway continues to defy time and is still among the fastest players in the league. He is a big play waiting to happen and clearly the top option in this suspect group. Ike Hilliard has come up big at times this year, but neither he nor Michael Clayton is truly a No. 2 wide receiver. Jerramy Stevens and Alex Smith are suitable tight ends, but certainly not game-changers.

12. Tennessee Titans
Roydell Williams and Justin Gage are Tennessee's top weapons at the wide receiver position. Both players run hot and cold and would have a difficult time starting for most teams in the league. The depth here is poor. Bo Scaife is reliable and has QB Vince Young's trust from their days together at the University of Texas, but overall the Titans have done an awful job of surrounding their franchise quarterback with suitable receiving options

**motife** · 01-01-2008, 10:30 AM

Offensive Line :

The Patriots seem to come out on top in everything they do, so why should their offensive line be any different? Scouts Inc. has ranked the offensive lines of all 12 playoff teams, and New England's is at the top of the list.

1. New England Patriots
The Patriots' offensive line lacks individual star quality but more than makes up for it with collective intelligence and competitiveness. As a group, they make very few mistakes and are more athletic than most other lines. Each player competes with a sense of pride and urgency, and they are as well coached as any unit in the league.

2. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have perhaps the most massive and powerful line in the NFL. They are led by LT Flozell Adams and RT Marc Colombo, huge road graders who are nearly impossible to beat once they get their hands on their opponents. None of the linemen would be considered an elite athlete, so they keep their splits narrow and try to dominate physically.

3. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts, like the Patriots, are made up of decent athletes who excel more because of intelligence and tenacity than foot quickness and agility. They have arguably the best depth in the league, and if an offensive lineman gets hurt, they can simply put the next-best player in, regardless of position. One of the best-coached units in the league, they rarely make mental mistakes, and all players are excellent technicians.

4. San Diego Chargers
The Chargers are led by LT Marcus McNeill, who, in only his second year in the league, has become one of the elite with his rare foot agility and body control. As a unit, San Diego is built more for run blocking than pass blocking, and it does a great job of firing out and sustaining its blocks in front of RB LaDainian Tomlinson. Other than McNeill, the players lack mass and power, but they more than make up for it with tenacity and attitude.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville's offensive line is built from the inside out. C Brad Meester and LG Vince Manuwai are compact, powerfully-built linemen who can pull and trap effectively, and excel in the run-blocking aspect of the game. As a whole, the unit is excellent in the short area, delivering a good pop on contact and creating run lanes for Jacksonville's running backs.

6. Tennessee Titans
The Titans are led by LT Michael Roos and RT David Stewart, both of whom are in their third year in the league and are the cornerstones of one of the under-appreciated units in the NFL. C Kevin Mawae brings a lot of veteran savvy and leadership. Overall, Tennessee has a good combination of size and athleticism.

7. New York Giants
The Giants' offensive line is a collection of good -- but not great -- athletes who work very well in a small area. They are excellent technicians and work extremely well as a group. They are reflections of head coach Tom Coughlin in that they are no-nonsense guys who look at themselves as blue-collar, hard-hat workers. There is no individual star, but the group as a whole is efficient.

8. Green Bay Packers
The Packers are led by LT Chad Clifton, an excellent athlete who relies on foot agility, flexibility and technique to get it done. Like the rest of the offensive linemen, Clifton lacks top power and strength but is tenacious and simply gets the job done. C Scott Wells is probably their next best lineman and does a great job of directing and coordinating the efforts of the line.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers' offensive line is a collection of overachieving, slightly above-average athletes. They are led by RT Jeremy Trueblood, who brings mass and long arms, and who can control and steer opponents away from the play. His level of intensity has picked up this year, and his teammates have followed his lead, playing with new confidence and effort.

10. Washington Redskins
The Redskins are led by Pro Bowl LT Chris Samuels, who has anchored their quarterback's blind side in each of his eight years in the league. He is an elite athlete who dominates opponents in space and rarely allows his body to get out of control. Next to Samuels is LG Pete Kendall, who has lost a lot of agility and quickness but still brings leadership and tenacity to the line.

11. Seattle Seahawks
Seahawks LT Walter Jones has played at a consistent Pro Bowl level since he arrived in Seattle 11 years ago, but beyond him, there is not a lot to get excited about. The middle of the line is a collection of adequate athletes with average size. As a unit, they seem to be missing that next level of toughness and competitiveness.

12. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are led by perennial Pro Bowl LG Alan Faneca, an excellent athlete who plays with an attitude that carries over to the rest of the line. However, the team is going to have to deal with the possibility of not having LT Marvel Smith for the playoffs due to a back injury; his absence will seriously deplete an already-questionable offensive line. Other than Faneca, the unit is a collection of adequate athletes who lack premier bulk and strength.

**b bulldog** · 01-01-2008, 11:33 AM

our RB's are underrated imo but no way our DL is better than the Jags.

**Bretsky** · 01-01-2008, 11:37 AM

Rothlisberger should be #5

**b bulldog** · 01-01-2008, 11:40 AM

I'd say they should be 4a and 4b.

**Deputy Nutz** · 01-01-2008, 01:57 PM

Romo is overrated, look at what has happened to him the last two weeks without Terrell Owens. He has struggled. To me he as an all pro receiver and tight end, pretty easy to play QB with that.

Favre in 96 had it when he had Keith Jackson, Freeman, Chumura, and remember how many times Levens and Bennett were used as receivers down field.

The more options a QB has the better he is going to be.

**b bulldog** · 01-01-2008, 02:10 PM

I think our skilled sets are pretty damned good also. Wr's do make qb'S LOOK BETTER AT TIMES BUT qb'S will do the same for their QB's.

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Scouts Inc. Ranks the playoff teams

Scouts Inc. Ranks the playoff teams

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