NFL Power Rankings: Arizona Cardinals Finish High
By Scott Allen
Dec 29, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Jaron Brown (13) against the San Francisco 49ers at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Now that the 2013 season has officially ended with the Seattle Seahawks winning Super Bowl XLVIII, it’s time to release my final power rankings of the season. Of course the Seattle Seahawks end as the number one team and the Denver Broncos as number two. How far down did I put the Arizona Cardinals? Well, check it out.
1. Seattle Seahawks (16-3) – There is no reason to believe they can’t make a deep run again in 2014. Very little tweaking for this team.
2. Denver Broncos (15-4) – As long as Peyton Manning returns, the offense should fly high again in 2014.
3. San Francisco 49ers (14-5) – They will be tough again. They also get a new stadium in 2014.
4. Carolina Panthers (12-5) – One of the surprise teams in 2013. The probably could use a little help at WR going forward.
5. New England Patriots (13-5) – Without consistency from receivers, Tom Brady and the defense carried them further than expected.
6. Indianapolis Colts (12-6) – Needed a wild-card comeback. Stayed with the Pats for 3 quarters in playoffs. Need another receiver or two, RB.
7. Kansas City Chiefs (11-6) – Had a wild-card win in hand. Seemed to falter a little down the stretch.
8. San Diego Chargers (10-8) – Came on strong late. Philip Rivers needs a better offensive line though. Keenan Allen his new target.
9. Arizona Cardinals (10-6) – Cards another 2013 surprise team. Defense played out of mind. They are the last team to beat Seattle.
10. Philadelphia Eagles (10-7) – Thought they had a run in them in playoffs. Not to be. Nick Foles will bring many wins to Philly.
11. New Orleans Saints (12-6) – For a team as good as it is at home, not so much on road. Did win in Philly. It’s a start.
12. Cincinnati Bengals (11-7) – Andy Dalton may not be the answer in Cincy. Tough questions to answer in offseason.
13. Green Bay Packers (8-8-1) – Came on late. Comeback tie against Vikings and big win over Bears got them into playoffs. WR health issues.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8) – They may have finished 8-8, but really finished 8-4 after 0-4 start. Almost got into the playoffs.
15. Chicago Bears (8-8) – They should have stuck with Josh McCown. Now McCown may sign with someone else in free agency.
16. Baltimore Ravens (8-8) – Joe Flacco lost Anquan Boldin. Ray Rice was inconsistent. So was the defense. Need help in multiple areas in ’14.
17. Miami Dolphins (8-8) – They also let the playoffs slip away. They’ve found some nice young targets on offense. Could be factor in 2014.
18. Dallas Cowboys (8-8) – Fell in December – again. Afraid Cowboys may have made mistake in keeping Jason Garrett.
19. St. Louis Rams (7-9) – If Sam Bradford comes back or they find another QB, Rams could surprise in 2014 like Cards in 2013.
20. New York Jets (8-8) – Maybe experience gives Geno Smith a chance to be more consistent in 2014?
21. Detroit Lions (7-9) – Probably the most disappointing team of 2013. Went from 6-2 to 7-9. New coach. 2014 should be interesting.
22. New York Giants (7-9) – Sure didn’t feel like a 7-9 season. They started 0-6, so they finished 7-3. There is that.
23. Tennessee Titans (7-9) – Will new head coach Ken Whisenhunt keep Jake Locker as the starting quarterback in 2014?
24. Atlanta Falcons (4-12) – If this team didn’t have all the injuries, do they win more in 2013? They will miss Tony Gonzalez.
25. Minnesota Vikings (5-10-1) – They need to find a permanent answer at quarterback. I don’t think he is on the current roster.
26. Buffalo Bills (6-10) – They started off promising in 2013, then QB E.J. Manuel went down. Excited to see a full season of him in 2014.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12) – A full season of Mike Glennon, a good defense, and new coach Lovie Smith. They will improve in ’14.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12) – They went 4-4 over their last eight games in 2013. They desperately need to find a QB in the draft.
29. Oakland Raiders (4-12) – Offense, defense, they need help in many areas. Need more consistency from the quarterback position.
30. Cleveland Browns (4-12) – A recurring theme here. They need a quarterback. They have their 16th choice as their new head coach.
31. Washington Redskins (3-13) – Talk about disappointing in 2013. They were a mess that is starting to be cleaned up.
32. Houston Texans (2-14) – They are on the clock. Are you listening Blake Bortels, Johnny Manziel, Jadeveon Clowney?