Bears Blitz

Published by Zachary D. Rymer on September 14, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

After one week of NFL action, there are 16 teams in the league that are 1-0. However, if I may paraphrase George Orwell, some teams are more 1-0 than others.

Let’s face it. Some of the first week’s winners were just more impressive out of the gate than others. After many long, lockout-stricken months, these teams came, saw and kicked ass.

Most of these teams feature prominently in my NFL power rankings for Week 2. Not all, but most. But in an effort to give all the big winners equal recognition, why don’t we count down the five most impressive winners from Week 1? It’ll give us an idea who the big dogs are, and where the fast risers might be coming from as we speed towards Week 2.

Yes, let’s do that.

5. New England Patriots (No. 1)

I had the Patriots at No. 1 heading into the season, and they did a good job of earning their place with their 38-24 thrashing of the Miami Dolphins.

As always, the Pats were particularly effective on offense. Tom Brady threw four touchdown passes, and also passed for a franchise-record 517 yards. And he did that with virtually no help from Chad Ochocinco.

I would have the Pats higher on this short little list, but the thing that concerns me is the fact they allowed Chad Henne to pass for over 400 yards. That’s not so impressive.

Either way, I’m going to have the Pats at No. 1 until further notice. They’re legit. Again.

4. Cincinnati Bengals (No. 30)

I’d be lying if I were to say I saw the Bengals’ 27-17 win over the Cleveland Browns coming. I didn’t. In fact, I don’t think anybody did.

I’m not sure whether or not the Bengals are going to be able to keep it up, but they certainly looked better than advertised against the Browns. Cedric Benson picked up right where he left off last season, and the Bengals showed remarkable poise in the fourth quarter.

Nevertheless, I have the Bengals at No. 30 for the time being. I don’t think they’ll move up very far from there, but they definitely look good now.

3. Buffalo Bills (No. 24)

Ryan Fitzpatrick is currently the highest-rated quarterback in the NFL.

That should give you a good idea of just how badly he and the Bills outplayed the Kansas City Chiefs in beating them 41-7. It was a nasty, merciless beating, and that’s something that we just don’t associate with the Bills these days.

Do I buy the Bills as a contender after a win like this? As you can see by their No. 24 ranking, the answer is no. I did, however, bump them up a few spots, and I’m more than willing to tip my cap to them after a win like that.

I also fear them, for what it’s worth.

2. Chicago Bears (No. 11)

From what I’ve been able to gather, Bears fans are pretty pissed at me for putting the Bears at No. 11 after their 30-12 beatdown of the Atlanta Falcons. Who, for the record, are at No. 9.

Trust me, it makes sense in my head, as hectic as things are in there. But credit where credit is due, I will agree that the Bears’ win over the Falcons was certainly not a cheap one.

No sir, da Bears totally dismantled the Falcons. Jay Cutler was far more efficient than we’re used to seeing, and the Bears defense looked nothing like a unit that many (including me) thought was going to be a disappointment this season.

So hats off. For now, anyway.

1. Baltimore Ravens (No. 3)

Whenever the Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers get together, heads usually roll.

On Sunday, though, the only heads rolling belonged to the Steelers. The Ravens destroyed them in nearly every facet of the game. The Ravens gained more yards, ate more clock, converted more third downs and certainly forced more turnovers than their AFC North foes. In fact, you have to give credit to the Steelers for committing seven turnovers and losing by only 28 points.

The Ravens are legit, folks. I have them at No. 3, but I am perfectly willing to move them higher at the slightest sign of trouble from the Patriots or Green Bay Packers.

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