Inspired by the FA thread: Rank the AFC by team talent, minus the QB

Looking at the ESPN rankings, we see the Browns (the team that sort of inspired the first thread) rated up at #3 in the AFC, and #6 in the NFL. I'm not sure whether to be happy or sad that ESPN is on board with the potential of the Browns, but it's worth noting in context.

 

Remember when these idiots predicted the Cardinals were front runners for the Super Bowl 3 years ago going into 2016?

 

I think the article is ranking the 2019 rosters as of now, with a specific value for the team minus QB. That’s the ranking the original thread was looking for, valid or not here. The three year projection I interpret to be based around the way these teams are presently assembled.

 

This thread is a dead giveaway. You're Trent Dilfer, aren't you?

 

I've got much better hair than Trent Dilfer.

 

1 - Patriots
2 - 16 : doesn't matter

 

I assume most media types will value skill position players above all else when determining such a ranking. A fan who pays attention understands that a stacked WR/RB/TE core is virtually without value if the QB play is merely replacement level. Recent history suggests a few things about building a championship roster.

1. An elite secondary is the next best thing after an elite QB.
2. An elite pass rush combined with quality defensive coaching can win a title as long as the rest of the defense is functional, but will be exploited if the defense has a glaring weakness elsewhere.
3. A poor offensive line will not necessarily disqualify a team from reaching the later rounds of the playoffs, but it reduces the probability or reaching the Super Bowl significantly.
4. The effectiveness of WR/TE mirrors the effectiveness of the QB. If the QB play is average to poor, than the RB core becomes more important.
5. Depth and functionality are as effective as a single blue chip player.

Considering this, these would be my tiers.

Tier 1: The complete teams - Patriots, Chargers

Tier 2: Missing one piece: Steelers, Colts, Texans, Ravens

Tier 3: Blue chip talent but with significant weaknesses: Chiefs, Browns, Jaguars

Tier 4: The Titans

Tier 5: Just enough to not be totally hopeless: Bills, Jets, Broncos

Tier 6: The terrible: Dolphins, Bengals, Raiders

 

"Deuce" Bwaaahahahaha

 

Great post!

Point 2 in particular is so well articulated. Having that pin your ears back edge rusher can be a liability if the rest of the defense isn’t solid. That’s essentially why I think Brady has had so much success against defenses led by Watt, Harrison/Porter and many other great pass rushers. With a complete defense, though, guys like Suggs and Miller have been problems. BB understands that pressure is a team concept, not an “isolate athletic pass rusher” concept. And no one exploits it the other way like Brady.