NFL Random Thoughts

In defeating the Baltimore Ravens today, the Patriots made the statement that they are one of a small handful of contenders in the AFC a quarter of the way into the season. The 27-21 win was highlighted by stopping the driving Ravens offense on fourth down deep in Patriots territory. All of the great teams in New England under Belichick have been able to make game-saving stops so the one today is proof that the young defense has the ability to come through in the clutch. Having Wes Welker back after missing the last two games made life easier for Tom Brady. Welker did not have a dominant game (6 receptions for 48 yards) but the Ravens were forced to account for #83, opening up passing lanes down the field. For the day, Brady was 21-for-32 with 258 yards and a touchdown. After the loss to the Jets two weeks ago, many people began to write off the Patriots as contenders. Since that loss, the Patriots have defeated the Falcons and Ravens in impressive fashion to improve their record to 3-1. With Josh McDaniels and 4-0 Denver coming to Foxboro next week, the Pats will have to stay on top of their game... The crazy Jets fans can ease up on the "Sanchize" talk but even with their loss in New Orleans today, they are still a team that will be in contention... The Rams may be the worst team in football but that does not take away from the dominating performance of the 49ers defense today. Mike Singletary's defense scored 3 touchdowns in their 35-0 win... Their defense will keep them from winning the AFC but even the biggest Colts hater like me can give Peyton Manning his proper due. He has made Indianapolis a contender for the last decade, making him the (this is painful to write) the Derek Jeter of the NFL... I'm no Peter King but if I was forced to rank the best teams in the NFL - the ones I truly believe will contend for the Super Bowl - after today, my list would look like this: 1. New Orleans (4-0) 2. New York Giants (4-0) 3. Patriots (3-1) 4. Baltimore (3-1) 5. Indianapolis (4-0) 6. Minnesota (3-0) 7. New York Jets (3-1) The "Super Seven" will be listed in this space every week... Enjoy Adrian Peterson tomorrow night...