Denver Broncos power rankings: Dropping after a win?
The Denver Broncos finished out week one of the NFL season with a victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, and dropped in ESPN’s power rankings…
In case you needed further proof that most NFL power rankings lists are stupid and pointless, here’s a quick gander over at ESPN embarrassing itself on a victory Tuesday for the Denver Broncos.
The crew over at ESPN decided to drop the Broncos six spots — six — in their latest power ranking poll, which means nothing except for the fact that whoever is compiling this list has absolutely no clue what they are doing.
Here’s what the worldwide leader had to say about the Broncos’ week one performance:
"“Two late turnovers nearly cost the Broncos the win on Monday, but a blocked kick in the closing seconds saved the day. Possible overreaction: The offense hasn’t ranked higher than 19th in scoring in either of the previous two seasons, but it could be three straight seasons after 2017. Good thing the defense is as great as it is (again).”"
This is hilarious, given a few things.
First, ESPN has the Baltimore Ravens ranked ahead of the Broncos after an offensive output that included 157 rushing yards, but one of the worst passing performances by Joe Flacco we have seen in some time.
The Ravens were able to shut out the Bengals, but only scored 20 points after forcing a whopping five turnovers. But somehow the Broncos’ offense is the reason for their five-spot decline?
Next, the folks up at ESPN had the Detroit Lions — who trailed entering the fourth quarter of their week one victory — ahead of Denver.
They also ranked the Eagles ahead of the Broncos, and had this to say:
"“Carson Wentz made a big play under duress on Sunday, matching his total of passing touchdowns when pressured all of last season. Possible overreaction: Hop on the Wentz Wagon while there’s still room. The young quarterback should continue to improve, and he’ll have a lot of help from the second-ranked defense according to FPI.”"
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I don’t doubt that Carson Wentz has a high ceiling. He was the number two selection in last year’s draft on merit, not just because the Eagles needed a quarterback. That being said, why is ESPN jumping all over the ‘Wentz Wagon’ and not the Trevor Siemian Train?
What did Wentz do that Siemian didn’t do, except actually throw a pick-six?
A headline at Sporting News said that Wentz ‘shined’ in week one, but Siemian is going to be the cause for the Broncos’ offensive mediocrity after a three-touchdown performance?
Maybe it’s just me, but I find it pretty hilarious, even though personally I like — and have always liked — Carson Wentz.
The Broncos will take whatever sort of bulletin board material they can get, even though largely no one really cares. This is simply a talking point for us to complain about how the Broncos don’t get the kind of publicity they sometimes should, but I for one don’t mind that national publications give this team extra reason to have a chip on their shoulder.