Power rankings: Redskins making improbable push

Nope. Can't jump the Redskins from the middle of the pack to the top of the Pilot's NFL power rankings entering Week 5. Thought about it, though, and that by itself is incredible enough for now.

The Redskins stunk when September began. Here, at the dawn of October, they're pretty darn good; efficient, effective and surprisingly healthy, which is never to be understated - right Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and New England?

What's clear now is the Redskins earned every drop of praise they've bathed in since taking down the formerly top-ranked Cowboys in Dallas 26-24.

You calling "fluke" on it? Sorry, I can't do it. Washington owned the ball nearly two-thirds of that game, held on to it again better than anybody in the league - still no offensive turnovers, amazing - and derailed the Dallas happy train in one of the most complete efforts of the young season.

Put the Redskins at No. 3, then; the memory of that opening dud at the Meadowlands is there but fading.

In the unforgiving NFL, momentum, fortune and praise mean one thing: Be aware. Be very aware.

Visiting Philly can be harsh - even on natives, trust me. But, if Washington gets out of there Sunday with another W - and that likelihood spikes if the Eagles' Brian Westbrook can't go again - the Redskins' impressive rally would become historic.

That is, though the Redskins have rarely won at Dallas and at Philadelphia in the same year - seven times, most recently in 2005 - they have never done it in consecutive weeks.

That we're even mentioning that? Right. Incredible enough for now.

Tom Robinson, (757) 446-2518, tom.robinson@pilotonline.com

1.  New York Giants

(last week: 3; record 3-0)

Jump two spots during bye week. Sack-happy defense (4.3 per game) is intimidating and RB Brandon Jacobs effective (4.9 yards per carry, fifth-best in league). Bubbling trouble, however: Plaxico Burress' behavior, suspension this week hobbles offense averaging 400 yards per game.

This week: Home vs. Seattle.

2.  Tennessee Titans

(last week: 4; 4-0)

Would never have imagined this, but there's no proof Tennessee's faking it. Titans have exploited plus-six turnover advantage and league's stingiest defense (11.5 points per game) to best-ever start. Solid play from vet QB Kerry Collins (one INT). Better fasten the chin strap Sunday, though.

This week: At rough, tough Baltimore.

3.  Washington Redskins

(last week: not ranked; 3-1)

QB Jason Campbell rocketed to fourth-best passer rating (102.2) in past three games. Solid. Uncanny lack of team turnovers is quirky, but still... Evidently, Redskins picking up Jim Zorn offense faster than anybody, probably even Zorn, expected.

This week: At Philadelphia.

4.  Dallas Cowboys

(last week: 1; 3-1)

Flaws surface; Redskins dominate with 161 rushing yards and - cue "Jaws" theme - Terrell Owens starts yapping about Tony Romo. And 12 men on field after a timeout? Hmm. Good news? Next three opponents: winless Cincinnati, Arizona and winless St. Louis.

This week: Home vs. Cincinnati.

5.  Pittsburgh Steelers

(last week: 5; 3-1)

This could be the high point for limping Steelers. Bruising 23-20 OT win against Ravens cost them RB Rashard Mendenhall and G Kendall Simmons for season. It won't be long until QB Ben Roethlisberger joins them on sideline if pass protection remains problematic (16 sacks, second-most in league).

This week: At Jacksonville.

6. Buffalo Bills

(last week: 6; 4-0)

Surprising Bills keep poking fate with a stick but hanging in as one of three unbeatens. Have trailed entering fourth quarter the past three weeks, then outscored teams 45-10. Past two rally victims, St. Louis and Oakland, have fired their coaches. Bills should be vaguely insulted by that, yes?

This week: At Arizona.

7. Philadelphia Eagles

(last week: 2; 2-2)

Would be No. 1... except couldn't score late from Bears'

1-yard line on three straight dives into line. Evidently, play-action, rollout and bootleg pages have gone missing from coach Andy Reid's playbook. Misfires from 50 and 47 yards by K David Akers don't bode well, either.

This week: Home vs. Washington.

8. San Diego Chargers

(last week: 8; 2-2)

Talented Bolts continue to perplex. Unleash 25-point fourth quarter to rally against Oakland. But defense is a mess - last against the pass, 28th overall (376 yards per game). Good part about giving up TDs: more chances for Darren Sproles to return kickoffs. Leads league with four for 40-plus yards. QB Philip Rivers still second-rated (109.8) despite two INTs last week.

This week: At Miami.

9. Baltimore Ravens

(last week: NR; 2-1)

Interesting team. Not really sold on Ravens winning with rookie QB Joe Flacco, but this defense is just punishing: first against pass and first overall by large margin. Has five picks and four forced fumbles in three games. Flacco, too, had most productive game Monday vs. Steelers - 192 yards and first TD pass.

This week: Home vs. Tennessee.

10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

(last week: NR; 3-1)

Bucs rise behind swarming defense that picked three more passes - eight on season - and recovered a fumble against Green Bay. QB Brian Griese's been busy past two games - 53 for 97, 556 yds, three TDs, six INTs. He'll have to clean up that last number. Six yards per carry average by RB Earnest Graham is one of the league's best.

This week: At Denver.

Dropping out: No. 7 Denver Broncos (3-1): Couldn't hold onto ball (four turnovers) against Chiefs or stop RB Larry Johnson (198 yards); No. 9 Green Bay Packers (2-2): Only 181 yards against dominant Tampa Bay; No. 10 New England Patriots (2-1): Had bye week, but were nudged aside by improving Bucs.