saintz08

The final Power Rankings for Jan. 28:

POWER RANKINGS
Current Team Previous
1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4
They have to be in the top spot after what they did to the Raiders. But they have to increase the speed on offense if they want to repeat.
2 Philadelphia Eagles 3
This was supposed to be their year, but they gagged it away. The quarterback has to prove he's better in the pocket.
3 Oakland Raiders 1
It will be a miracle if they are this high in the 2003 preseason poll. But as a Super Bowl team, they stay here for now.
4 Tennessee Titans 2
Steve McNair needs help around him. They also need to stay healthy.
5 New York Jets 8
They will do everything they can to get faster in the secondary. At least they have a quarterback to build around.
6 New York Giants 9
What they did on offense down the stretch bodes well for the 2003 season. They do need to get a little quicker on defense.
7 Green Bay Packers 5
Coach Mike Sherman worked miracles this season, but they have a lot of holes to fill.
8 Miami Dolphins 13
Another team that choked down the stretch. Is this a make-or-break year for Dave Wannstedt?
9 San Francisco 49ers 6
They will have a new coach, which could be a good or bad thing. Another team with holes on defense.
10 Pittsburgh Steelers 7
They put a lot of money into a lot of key players who didn't play up to the money. That could set this franchise back some.
11 New Orleans Saints 15
They choked again down the stretch, but a year of experience for some young players coupled with a bounty of draft picks will make this a deep playoff team.
12 Indianapolis Colts 10
The defense is making strides, but they have to get a running game again behind Edgerrin James to really compete.
13 Atlanta Falcons 11
Michael Vick will only be better in 2003, but they have to re-sign Keith Brooking and do all they can to get Peerless Price.
14 Cleveland Browns 12
They have to decide if Tim Couch is their guy. The defense has to be improved in 2003.
15 Denver Broncos 13
They have to settle on a quarterback. If it isn't Brian Griese, and it likely isn't, then who is it?
16 New England Patriots 16
With a lot of holes, that personnel department so many rave about has to have a good offseason.
17 Buffalo Bills 17
Gregg Williams has this team moving in the right direction. But 2003 has to be a playoff year.
18 Kansas City Chiefs 18
We love the offense, but they have to make major strides on defense. The secondary has to be upgraded.
19 Baltimore Ravens 19
If they can upgrade at quarterback -- somehow get Kurt Warner or Mark Brunell -- this will be a playoff team. That's a big if.
20 Seattle Seahawks 20
Mike Holmgren has to have a playoff season in 2003 or he's gone. Found a quarterback late in 2003 in Matt Hasselbeck.
21 San Diego Chargers 21
Their once-dominant defense was bad in 2002. That has to be addressed.
22 Washington Redskins 22
With a year of experience, Steve Spurrier will be a better coach. He better hope Patrick Ramsey is the answer at quarterback.
23 Carolina Panthers 23
If they think they can be a playoff team with Rodney Peete, they are in for trouble. Have to find a passer somewhere.
24 Minnesota Vikings 24
Came on strong down the stretch behind the re-emergence of Daunte Culpepper. Defensive improvement remains a high priority.
25 St. Louis Rams 25
The quarterback mess has to be fixed. If it's not Warner, they need to make a move.
26 Dallas Cowboys 26
Bill Parcells inherits a team with some good young talent. But who will be the passer?
27 Jacksonville Jaguars 27
New coach Jack Del Rio will bring freshness to this stale team. But he has his work cut out for him.
28 Chicago Bears 28
Until they find a quarterback, they will not be a playoff factor. Another team that lacks speed.
29 Houston Texans 29
David Carr will be better with a year's experience, but the offensive line has to be improved or he won't see year three.
30 Arizona Cardinals 30
A lot of big offseason decisions -- such as re-signing Jake Plummer -- will impact the 2003 season.
31 Detroit Lions 31
What will Steve Mariucci be getting himself into?
32 Cincinnati Bengals 32
Don't laugh when you read this: Marvin Lewis takes over a team with talent.