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National Power Rankings: Tampa Bay Buccaneers sneak into the top ten

Out of the tunnel, into the top ten
Out of the tunnel, into the top ten

Last night's game wasn't pretty, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers came out on top and showed plenty of promise. And this is reflected in all the national power rankings. The Bucs keep improving on the field every week, and the national publications seem to be taking notice of that. On average, the Bucs are ranked 10th, which is up from 12th last week.  Here are all the power rankings I could find, collected into one post: 

SB Nation - 8th (up from 11th):

It wasn't pretty but the Bucs and LeGarrette Blount took care of business against the Colts on Monday Night Football. They have a brutal schedule coming up against a handful of 3-1 teams.

ESPN - 11th (up from 14th):

The Bucs aren't lighting it up, but they've quietly gone 3-1 for the fourth time in the past five seasons. (Sando)

Fox Sports (Brian Billick) - 8th (up from 11th):

Tampa Bay just finds a way to win, and Monday night it was behind the shoulder pads of RB LeGarrette Blount. This offense has yet to put together a complete game, yet they are still 3-1. The defensive line looks like a unit that boasts the Bucs' top two draft picks from the last two drafts.

National Football Post - 9th (up from 11th):

The Bucs looked sloppy at times in the win over the Colts, but that's three straight for a team that plays a physical brand of football.

The Big Lead - Tier Four, Average Teams (no change):

Not an impressive performance, but at least it allowed Jon Gruden to profess his love of slumpbusters.

CBS Sports (Pete Prisco) - 13th (up from 15th):

They have the power running game going and that defensive front is starting to play a nasty brand of football. They do have to cut down on the mistakes.

Pro Football Talk (Mike Florio) - 8th (up from 9th):

Yes, it was Monday Night Football. Yes, they came back from 10 points behind. But, yes, it was the Colts.

Pro Football Weekly - 14th (up from 15th)

Didn't expect Earnest Graham to be leading receiver.

NFL.com - 9th (up from 11th):

No blurb.