Is there a dominant team in the NFL?

[trotsky]

There are four undefeated teams right now.

Indianapolis (3-0)
Tampa Bay (3-0)
Cincinnati (3-0)
Washington (2-0)

Indy's offense seems to be struggling, but their defense is picking up the slack and winning games. The Bucs have been helped immensely in the running game with the pickup of Cadillac Williams, but only barely got by the Packers because of a missed extra point. Washington got lucky with a couple of defensive lapses by the Cowpies last Monday.

Of these teams, it appears only Cincinnati has had it going both on offense as well as defense. Has the league finally turned upside down? Are the Bengals the best team in the league?

[Tafiti]

1. Disclaimer:

Huge Bengals fan, but I'll try to be as objective as possible.

OK, first of all, let's be honest...we can throw out Washington (no offense 'Skins fans). They're offense leaves something to be desired, to say the least. They've got some players, but for whatever reason they just can't seem to get it going. They do have a solid D though.

I think Tampa Bay is a strong team. Their defense is playing really well, and their offense got a huge boost from Cadillac. They don't have any elite receivers, but they're good. And Brian Griese is pretty much an average quarterback. I could see them competing with Atlanta for the division, but at the very least, the NFC is still pretty weak as a whole, so they'll get into the playoffs.

I really don't know what to think about Indy. Their defense is surprisingly tough, and it's definitely come up big in all three of their wins. However, their lack of offense is puzzling. Maybe teams are starting to figure them out? I don't know. But if their offense starts to take off again, I'd say they're the best.

But goddamn I love what the Bengals are doing. Their defense isn't stout, but it's very aggressive, and therefore opportunistic. After three straight games of forcing a shitload of turnovers, I don't think you can just chalk it up to luck. Obviously, they won't get that many turnovers consistently, but I'll bet they'll be top 3 (if not #1) in takeaways and turnover differential at season's end. Plus, their defense will continue to improve throughout the season. And their offense is simply outstanding, and will also continue to improve as well. Bear in mind, last week's game marked Carson Palmer's 16th NFL start - 1 full season. You've heard it before, but I'll echo some of the pundits' musings - he's the next Troy Aikman. With his corps of receivers, and the 1-2 punch of Rudi Johnson and Chris Perry, their offense is stellar from top to bottom, complete with an outstanding offensive line. They could use a kick-ass tight end, but we'll wait until Draft Day 2006 for that.

We'll see where they really are when they play Jacksonville on the road Sunday Night in Week 5, and then Pittsburgh at home two weeks later.

I also don't think we can leave Pittsburgh and New England out of this discussion, even if they've both lost a game.

[trotsky]

2. True, can't rule out the Steelers and Pats.

And Bengals coming on strong, man I love the NFL. Every year someone new comes along. The Vikes missed their cosmic alignment in '98, I sure hope it happens again before I die.