Today’s posts have already included discussion about where the Washington Redskins fall in this week’s ProFootballTalk power rankings, so unless I see another power rankings list that has the Redskins drastically lower or higher than the mid-20s at this point, it won’t merit much discussion.
There is, however, one theme that is apparent as I look over a few other national organizations’ power rankings: slowly but surely, the Redskins are improving.
That was the case in the power rankings this week for NFL.com, ESPN.com and the National Football Post.
Here’s a little bit of breakdown of each:
NFL.com
The Redskins come in this week at No. 24, moving up (down?) one spot from NFL.com’s previous power rankings.
Here’s what NFL.com analyst Elliot Harrison had to say about Washington as it heads into its season opener Sunday at New Orleans:
“Still not sure what to make of Robert Griffin III, other than to say I’m tired of talking about his “fantasy upside.” And I’m still not sure what to make of the defense, which struggled versus the Bears but improved against the Colts in Week 3. Nor am I sure what to make of the running-back situation, with Evan Royster, Roy Helu and Alfred Morris all in the mix. My acai berry smoothie is on Royster, an effective inside runner, to start.”
When looking at other NFC East foes in this week’s NFL.com power rankings, the New York Giants are ranked No. 1 (no change), the Philadelphia Eagles are at No. 12 (down four spots) and the Dallas Cowboys are ranked No. 16 (down one spot).
ESPN.com
The Redskins are also ranked 24th in this week’s ESPN.com power rankings.
Washington was ranked 25th in their previous ranking, meaning it was one of 11 teams to rise in the polls this time around.
Here’s what ESPN.com NFC East Blogger Dan Graziano had to say about the Redskins’ ranking:
“Rookie QB Robert Griffin III gets all the hype, but if the Redskins are going to surprise, a surprisingly strong defensive front seven could be the reason.”
What’s interesting about ESPN.com’s power rankings is where the various voters placed the Redskins. They were ranked as low (or high?) as 26th this week by AFC North Blogger Jamison Hensley, while Graziano has the Redskins at No. 19.
National Football Post
The National Football Post has the Redskins ranked No. 25 in this week’s power rankings.
Though that’s not something to be surprised at, I was a little shocked to see the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 24 overall on this list.
We all saw the (lack of) depth displayed by the Buccaneers Wednesday when they came to FedExField and lost 30-3 to the Redskins in both teams’ preseason finales.
I thought it might just be a given that the Redskins, at this point, are a better overall football team than the Bucs. Oh well.
Here’s the very bland explanation for the Redskins’ ranking on National Football Post:
“Mike Shanahan has a true playmaker at QB, but he has to open up the offense this year.”
Well DUH.
