Power Rankings: Contenders that should be worried

Chris Simms and Tank Williams list the NFL teams with high hopes that should be worried after recent stumbles.

Video Transcript

[UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING]

TANK WILLIAMS: All right, Chris. So every year, teams enter the season and then everyone these thinks they're going to win the Super Bowl. And then the game starts. So whether those teams coming into this season with overinflated expectations, or teams beating up on lesser opponents, like peewee league football teams and getting their fans all pump faked.

We have some "contenders" out there who aren't looking like they're going to make it to the playoffs, let alone win the Super Bowl. So I want to see which teams that you feel are the "contenders" in the most trouble.

Now at number three, I have the Dallas Cowboys and Jerry Jones. Number two, the Cleveland Browns. And at number one, those Los Angeles Rams. Thoughts?

CHRIS SIMMS: Ooh. Yeah. Well I can't really argue on any of those, OK? I mean, the Rams, I'm with you. I'm worried about it. One, we've seen their defense get gashed a few times this year. Two, we've seen their offensive line just get steamrolled a few times this year. And that worries me.

Because they are a run first team. And Todd Gurley is not the same. So I'm with you there. OK.

Now the Cowboys one, the big thing is I still look at them and go, I think they're one of the most talented teams in football. Their defense bothers me, Tank. When I watch them on film, it's the same defense every play. It's either three deep zone or single safety, man-to-man coverage.

And I just go, that's not going to beat the good offenses and quarterbacks in football.

TANK WILLIAMS: I mean, you said it. You saw Aaron Jones take advantage of that defense with the run game a couple of weeks ago. You see Robby Anderson go over the top of that defense last week.

And what really frustrates me the most is what I alluded to in the opening where they beat up on a Eli-led Giants team, the Dolphins who are tanking, and then the Washington team. And so everyone got all pumped up. And said all right, Dak's doing his thing. This is a really good ball team.

And then, they're not running the ball like they were last year. Defense is getting gashed in the run and pass game. I mean, we thought it was going to be smooth sailing for the Cowboys. But it's looking like some turbulent waters on the horizon.

CHRIS SIMMS: No, definitely. And especially with the way NFC is right now. You go, maybe it's not looking good. Now the Browns--

TANK WILLIAMS: The Browns, now, that's your squad now.

CHRIS SIMMS: Well see, the Browns, I don't even know if I want to put them in the Super Bowl contender conversation.

TANK WILLIAMS: Well, they were a team that was totally hyped up coming into this season. And they just laid an egg.

CHRIS SIMMS: Yes, laid an egg. They're learning how to win. They are young. They're immature. They did some good things against the Seahawks last week. But they just made some mistakes. They're not battle tested.

So I didn't put them in that Super Bowl contender conversation before the year. More of like a, I think they're a playoff contender. And it looks like they're going to disappoint me there.

Let me throw one other curveball at you, OK?

TANK WILLIAMS: OK.

CHRIS SIMMS: Kansas City Chiefs, how do you feel about them? Because I'm holding them to the standard of they should be going to the Super Bowl contender conversation. And their defense looks like straight garbage once again. And I'm worried about them.

TANK WILLIAMS: They cannot stop the run. And it's one of those things where when you discard Carlos Hyde because you feel like he's a bum. And he can't play in this league anymore. Then he comes back into your stadium and eats you alive on Sunday. Then that tells you where that running game is, too.

And another thing that concerns me is, they got Tyreek Hill back. But they're still dealing with injuries to Sammy Watkins. Patrick Mahomes, he's gimpy. And so as long as you've got all these weapons who are kind of gimpy, not 100% healthy. Now the teams have this blueprint on how you beat the Kansas City Chiefs.

Slow the ball down, keep the ball out of Mahomes hand. And just run the clock out. And that's the recipe for success. And until they can figure out that problem, they're going to be in trouble.

CHRIS SIMMS: Yeah, you're right. They're not pass protecting well right now. And I think this. Mahomes can't be over on the sidelines drinking Gatorade. They're not going to be winning games that way like you said. Teams run the ball on them.

The other thing I'll say too. And you're a defensive guy. I want to hear your thoughts on this. If I'm Kansas City, I'm done with this bend or die slowly type defense. I'm either blitzing. I'm sending everybody and trying to create havoc. Or you score a 70-yard touchdown on me.

Either way, Mahomes is getting on the field. And he won't be sitting over there by the Gatorade bottles all game long.

TANK WILLIAMS: I mean yeah, that's the kind of defenses I played in when I was in Tennessee. Whether it's that Gregg Williams, Jim Schwartz defense where you live by the blitz or you die by the blitz. But I think is one of those things where they definitely need to change up the scheme. Because right now, what Kansas City has in the pot, ain't cooking.

CHRIS SIMMS: No, it ain't cooking. I like your list though, man. Good job. Way to do your homework.

TANK WILLIAMS: Yes sir.