Tavern talk: Ranking the 3-2 teams

Lombardi, I'm a Ravens homer, so I have to ask... can they make the postseason? Also, how about an update on your list of Blues? Any additions to the list? Guys that made the jump from to almost a blue to full blue? And the reverse, guys that fell off the list, or took a step back?

Not exactly fair to say the Eagles have no depth on the lines. Consider that they have posted a 3-2 record with only 2 of their projected starters on the offensive line. Now, you could make the argument they have no *remaining* depth at OL. But the fact that a Winston Justice can jump in a RT, take over for Shawn Andrews and play pretty well goes against your "no depth" claim. They get Todd Herremans back this week, which should make a difference. If Stacey Andrews, another project starter, can get fully entrenched as well, I'm thinking the Eagles OL will look a whole lot better come Dec/Jan than it did on Sunday. It better anyways!

On the defensive line, how many teams rotate their personnel on the DL as often as the Eagles? The point is they go at least 8 deep with guys who get regular snaps. That seems like pretty good depth to me.

I won't argue that the Eagles are an enigma who can finish anywhere from 11-5 to 5-11. But I think depth is something the Eagles actually have.

Definitely do not agree with the "C" grade for the Packers offensive line - they are definitely below average. Definitely do not agree with the "B" grade for McCarthy as their coach either - one of the weaker coaches in the league at making real time adjustments during the course of a game. Finally, while his stats are nice window dressing, Rogers has yet to show he can get it done when it counts so I'm not sure an "A" grade is warranted - probably a "B+" is more accurate. The bottom line is wins and he doesn't have them. I believe Rogers can eventually be an "A" but one win against Chicago earlier this year in the closing moments doesn't show enough as that play to Jennings was based primarily on a mistake in coverage by the Bears than it was on Rogers calling an audible at the line because he recognized an opportunity to exploit. Come'n Pack let's go already!

Mike, not much to argue with. Regarding the schedule, why doesn't the league schedule 3 division games to start the season and end the season so all teams are balanced in that regard? Some may argue TV as the reason, but the TV schedulers should love it because division games are always compelling matchups. GB/Minn is a great example...this game should be one of the last three.

it doesn't really matter i doubt we'll be watching any of these 6 on feb 7

kevin i agree with your assement of the packers and rodgers A rating although i think an A- is probably more fitting, but the packers oline HAS TO BE A D, FAR FROM AVERAGE AT A C. I Think the ravens are the best team at this record, but a much tougher schedule ahead of them.

Giving Wade Phillips a C is very generous.

Jay Cutler is an A? 10 TDs, 7 INTs and 5 fumbles this year. 64 TDs and 44 INTs for his career. No playoff games. Doesn't being an A as a QB have to translate to winning, rather than just what is perceived as physical talents?

Your grades are ridiculous and seem to be entirely subjective. Worthless rankings.

#6. Lack and lack as you pointed out does not include an interesting notion about coaching. Are the best coaches purely mental and emotionally detached ? Or can a coach emotionally fire up a mediocre player with his passion for the game? Somehow, I suspect that emotional fires do not work at the pro level. The game, as I see it evolve, seems to favor mental coaches. I wonder if including the emotional factor in the head coach of 3-2 teams will have any correlation with success in the remainder of the season? If emotion and passion for the game works , the 9ers will get stronger. If it is mental the rest of them will be sorted out among themselves. If it is a mixture of both in a team, that will probably lead to the best outcome.

Cutler an "A"? Remind me of anything he's done differently than Romo, other than win less often.

I might have waited a week before putting out this list. The Niners were looking somewhat impressive prior to the beatdown courtesy of the Falcons. If the Niners come out strong and beat the Texans, I'd put them ahead of the Cardinals, if they lose to the Texans, I'd leave the Niners and Cards there.

The only other change I'd consider(depending on how this week shakes out) is putting Philly ahead of Chicago. The Eagles have better offensive weapons than the Bears, and they won't have another stinker like the one they had against the Raiders.