Mark Maske's Playoff Power Rankings
Web Posted: Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2005; 3:12 p.m. EST
1. Patriots (15-2): It wasn't surprising that they beat the Colts. After all, that's what Coach Bill Belichick, QB Tom Brady & Co. do at this time of the year: They win. But to give such a dominant defensive performance, against that offense and with so many factors working against them, was stunning. (Last Week's Rank: 3) 2. Steelers (16-1): They should be home watching the AFC title game, and they know it. They are still the most balanced team in the league, but they must try to overcome the Patriots' postseason magic. (1) 3. Falcons (12-5): Okay, it was only the Rams. But that was an impressive show Saturday night that makes the Falcons look more and more like last season's Panthers heading into the NFC championship. (5) 4. Eagles (14-3): They were vulnerable Sunday, and they're fortunate that Vikings QB Daunte Culpepper was off his game. (4)
Who Just Got Sent Home:
1. Colts (13-5): There's nothing to take up with the competition committee this time. The Patriots are simply better. (2)
2. Jets (11-7): Doug Brien goes down in team lore as the anti-Namath. The defense played its guts out in Pittsburgh, but it wasn't much of a privilege to watch QB Chad Pennington lead the offense to three measly points while the defense and special teams put up 14. (6) 3. Vikings (9-9): Coach Mike Tice called Sunday's botched fake field goal "brilliantly set up by the coaching staff." Yeah, right up until the part about making sure there were the right number of players on the field so that the intended receiver didn't walk off and watch the fiasco from the sideline. (7) 4. Rams (9-9): This team was an NFC semifinalist? That's the most pointed indictment yet of the conference -- and of the Seahawks, who actually lost to this outfit in the first round of the playoffs. (8)
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