NEW YORK (AP) – Ballot and comments from AP Pro 32 panel voter Cris Collinsworth of NBC Sports:
CRIS COLLINSWORTH (NBC Sports)
1. Green Bay – Dom Capers defense only has to be average to win it all. Missed Nick Collins and Cullen Jenkins.
2. New England – Even Belichick needs talent. First six draft choices all on defense.
3. New York Giants – No surprise that “Old School” coaches met in Super Bowl. Discipline wins.
4. Philadelphia – Hot team that nobody wanted to see in playoffs last year. Jason Peters loss a concern.
5. San Francisco – NFL’s next Baltimore Ravens on defense. Patrick Willis is next Ray Lewis.
6. Denver – Peyton Manning proved how valuable he is by getting injured.
7. Baltimore – Joe Flacco was brilliant against Patriots in AFC championship game.
8. Pittsburgh – New offensive line is key. When will David DeCastro and Mike Adams get up to speed?
9. Houston – Wade Phillips is magician with that defense. Johnathan Joseph was key.
10. New Orleans – Drew Brees so good he overcomes mess with Saints.
11. Chicago – Before Jay Cutler’s injury, Bears were dangerous; now add Brandon Marshall.
12. Dallas – Rob Ryan’s defense too exotic to play without cornerbacks. Now he has them.
13. San Diego – Ryan Mathews must take pressure off Phillip Rivers. Too many turnovers.
14. New York Jets – Great defense with sideshow on offense. Who knows how this plays out?
15. Atlanta – Mike Nolan and Dirk Koetter are new coordinators. Will it take time?
16. Detroit – Great young talent. Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson hard to stop.
17. Cincinnati – Marvin Lewis made playoffs with rookie QB, WR, and offensive coordinator.
18. Seattle – Rookie Bruce Irvin has to take pressure off Chris Clemons on pass rush.
19. Carolina – Cam Newton was stunning last year. Defense needs help.
20. Kansas City – If Jamaal Charles, Eric Berry, and Tony Moeaki are healthy, look out.
21. Buffalo – Could be dominant defensive line with Mario Williams, Kyle Williams, and Marcell Dareus.
22. Tampa Bay – Greg Schiano reminds me of coaches on the top of this list.
23. Tennessee – Impressive weapons for either QB.
24. Arizona – Kevin Kolb with an offseason, and Michael Floyd added to lineup.
25. Oakland – Darren McFadden is superstar and Carson Palmer has time to learn new offense.
26. Miami – QBs and receivers are questions, defense solid.
27. Minnesota – Jared Allen’s incredible year lost on poor season in killer division.
28. Washington – RG3 in Shanahan’s bootleg system feels like great fit, but it’s early.
29. Cleveland – Trent Richardson is tough, but Brandon Weeden will have his hands full in difficult division.
30. Jacksonville – Mike Mularkey will establish MJD like he did Michael Turner and then play action with Blaine Gabbert, who could surprise.
31. St. Louis – Jeff Fisher, healthy Sam Bradford, and Chris Long coming off big year . . . surprise team?
32. Indianapolis – Even Peyton Manning struggled his rookie year. Andrew Luck will be great eventually.
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