Oct. 28, 2008

2008 NFL Midseason Report

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Kansas City Chiefs

They knew this would be a rebuilding year, but did they know it would be this bad? The quarterback situation is a mess. Tyler Thigpen is the guy now because of injuries and he's not the answer, even if he played well against the Jets. Larry Johnson has been a major disappointment, both on and off the field. He might have the Chiefs wondering if he's worth it. It's a shame Dwayne Bowe is on this team. On another team, he'd be a star receiver. The line has struggled. The defense has been awful. The unit is giving up over 400 yards a game. I don't care who your quarterback is. You can't win that way. The run defense has been gashed all season. There is a lot of youth on that side of the ball, but it can't be that bad. Herm Edwards is probably safe for another year, but somebody has to take the blame for this mess. How about general manager Carl Peterson? Midseason Grade: D+

Oakland Raiders


So far, no good for Al Davis' woeful Raiders. (Getty Images)

The rift between Lane Kiffin and Al Davis ended when Davis sent his coach packing a few weeks ago. No shock there. Davis runs this team. Sometimes right into the ground. It's time for JaMarcus Russell to start playing better. He just hasn't been what the team expected. He isn't accurate. At times, though, he does make throws that make you think it's coming. The offensive line has been so-so at best, the receivers are average and the running game has talent. Rookie Darren McFadden needs the ball more. Tight end Zach Miller is a budding star. The defense is a mess. They've been giving up way too many yards and have had trouble all season stopping teams. They lack playmakers. When safety Michael Huff, the team's first-round pick a couple of years ago, is put on the bench, that's not a good sign. The pass rush is limited. Interim coach Tom Cable is really handcuffed. He has almost no chance to keep the job. Then again, does he want it? Midseason Grade: D+

San Diego Chargers

When you think Chargers football, you think LaDainian Tomlinson and a stout defense. They have gotten little from either this season. Tomlinson, who has been bothered by a sore toe, hasn't looked as quick or fast, although he did play better against the Saints. The running game isn't as potent when he's not at his best. Quarterback Philip Rivers has picked things up and carried the offense. He's having his best season throwing the ball. His deep passes are much better now and his young receivers are developing. The biggest disappointment has to be the defense. They lost Shawne Merriman for the season after the first game with a knee injury and that took the guts out of the front seven, but there's no way this should be a defense near the bottom of the league rankings. There's too much talent. The problem is few, if any, of the players are playing up to expectations. They've really struggled against the pass. They are last in that category. Teams have hit a lot of big plays against them. If they don't get things turned around, Norv Turner might be in trouble. Midseason Grade: D-

Dallas Cowboys

At 5-3, you get the feeling being around them that they're thrilled to be where they are. The loss of Tony Romo has really hurt this team and yet they are 1-1 without him. When he comes back after the bye, the offense will be fine. The offensive line, though, hasn't played well, which is a surprise. Tight end Jason Witten and receiver Terrell Owens have shown why they are among the best at their positions. Marion Barber and Felix Jones make for a nice 1-2 in the running game. The defense, aside from Sunday's game against Tampa Bay, has been a major disappointment. They haven't tackled well and they've given up a lot of big plays. DeMarcus Ware has played well at linebacker, but he's about it. They have to be better on that side of the ball in the second half. If not, Wade Phillips will be gone. Midseason Grade: C-

New York Giants

The Giants will be factor come January again. Tom Coughlin has another good, tough football team. They showed Sunday they could still beat good teams on the road by going into Pittsburgh and winning. The offense is keyed by the league's top rushing team. They average 157.3 yards a game. That dictates tempo. It helps with Eli Manning's ability to throw the play-action pass. He has made some big plays down the field because of the run game. The Giants average 27.3 points a game. The defense gives up 16.4 points a game. That side of the ball is led by a fierce front that gets after the quarterback. The Giants' 26 sacks lead the NFL. Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has his defense coming at the quarterback from all angles. It helps to have speed up front and an emerging star in Justin Tuck. The secondary has played much better than it did a year ago. The only negative has been the Plaxico Burress situation. He needs to be more focused. The Giants might be better than the team that won the Super Bowl last season. That's saying something. Midseason Grade: B

Philadelphia Eagles


Brian Westbrook's health has been key for the Eagles. (AP)

The Eagles are a tough team to figure out. They've looked dominant at times, and then looked just OK. Some of the inconsistency has come from injuries. They've played most of the season without their top receivers, which has impacted the offense. Brian Westbrook has missed time, which has hurt a lot since he's their biggest weapon. Donovan McNabb has looked sharp in some games, average in others. The defense has been good, allowing just 19.6 points per game. The run defense has keyed the unit. They are ninth in the league in run defense. Teams average just 3.5 per carry against them. That allows defensive coordinator Jim Johnson to turn his blitz packages loose. When they're in attack mode, they are a tough defense to break down. Andy Reid doesn't get enough credit. Keeping this team in the race with all the injuries is a testament to his ability as a coach. Midseason Grade: B-

Washington Redskins

Playing in the toughest division in football, they've had a nice first half. They won at Dallas and Philadelphia, which are nice skins to have heading into the second half. Both those teams still have to come to Washington. Quarterback Jason Campbell has made huge strides, which is why the offense is better. He takes care of the football and hasn't thrown an interception yet. Running back Clinton Portis is in the mix as the first-half MVP. He has been explosive and keys the offense. The line has been solid -- after the opening loss to the Giants -- and the receivers get the job done. Tight end Chris Cooley is a nice security blanket. The defense has been the biggest surprise. They are a top 10 unit that gets by without having any real star players. Jason Taylor has missed time with injuries, so you can't count him as having an impact. Corner Fred Smoot has played well, as has safety LaRon Landry. They run well and get to the football as a unit. First-year coach Jim Zorn has done a really good job with his team and they will be a factor come playoff time. Midseason Grade: B-

Chicago Bears

The Bears have to be happy with the way Kyle Orton has played. For the first time in years, the Bears have a passer who can make plays down the field. The decision to start Orton has proved to be the right one. He has a strong arm and shows it off. The running game has been good, with rookie Matt Forte showing he is a future star. His big-play ability really adds to the offense. The line has played well. The defense hasn't played well. They've had a lot of injuries, especially at corner, but this has not been the Chicago defense we expect to see. It is giving up 329 yards a game, which is middle of the road in the league rankings. Getting back corners Nathan Vasher and Charles Tillman from injuries will help. The defensive line has been gashed at times, which is why teams have been able to run the football. They have to fix that. Midseason Grade: B

Detroit Lions

What a mess Matt Millen left behind. The fired team president put on a display of what can happen to a franchise when it doesn't draft well. The team is limited in terms of talent because of all the blown picks. Dan Orlovsky is now the quarterback and he has played well at times, but he's not the answer. They have to get one somewhere. Maybe it's Drew Stanton. The Lions are 27th in offense. That won't win a lot of games. Receiver Calvin Johnson has flashed some star ability. The defense has been terrible. It is a unit ranked last in the league and it features not one player who would be considered a star. They can't stop the run, they can't pressure the passer and they don't get off on third down. That makes for a lot of long days. The Lions have been the perfect tonic for an ailing offense. The bad thing is coach Rod Marinelli came to the Lions as defensive coach. He's likely done after the second half. Midseason Grade: D

Green Bay Packers


Aaron Rodgers has helped Packers fans forget about No. 4. (Getty Images)

Remember the summer drama over the quarterback situation? Didn't think so. All that talk about how the Packers would fall apart if they didn't bring Brett Favre back has subsided. Aaron Rodgers has done that. He has played impressive football and has a nice command of the offense. The running game, which means Ryan Grant, hasn't been as good as last season, and that has to change in the second half. The offensive line has come on the past couple of weeks. The receivers are getting used to playing with Rodgers. The big trouble spot has been the defense. It is a unit that has been crippled with injuries. They've had trouble stopping people at times. The loss of corner Al Harris really hurt. But Charles Woodson is playing like the star he is to compensate. Middle linebacker Nick Barnett, the fiery leader of the defense, got off to a slow start but he seems to be coming on. As Rodgers grows, the Packers will only get better. Midseason Grade: C+

Minnesota Vikings

We warned them. Remember all the hoopla surrounding this team going into the season? Remember how we warned that not having a capable quarterback could make it all go to waste? That's what is happening. First coach Brad Childress benched Tarvaris Jackson when he failed and now it's on Gus Frerotte, a journeyman. Oh boy. What a waste. Adrian Peterson has run it well but with no passing game he faces a lot of stacked lines. Bernard Berrian has come on in the past four games. The defense has played well as expected. They are a top-10 unit. Defensive tackle Kevin Williams has been dominant at times. Jared Allen has been just OK since coming over from Kansas City. Were it not for that upset victory at New Orleans a couple of weeks ago, Childress would really be in trouble. If they don't win a couple coming up, he could be anyway. Midseason Grade: C+

Atlanta Falcons

When the season started, most expected them to have two wins. They have four already. That's a tribute to coach Mike Smith, who many questioned when he was hired. Smith's easy-going approach has meshed with his players. It helps that he has a rookie quarterback in Matt Ryan who doesn't play like a rookie. Ryan is cut of the same cloth as a Peyton Manning or a Tom Brady. He has a nice feel for the passing game, which bodes well for the future. Running back Michael Turner has been everything the team expected and more. The offensive line has been a pleasant surprise. There are still holes on defense, which a draft and another free-agency period will address, but they've played OK. Defensive end John Abraham is having a Pro Bowl season. They do need to get better on the defensive interior. Rookie middle linebacker Curtis Lofton is a thumper. The secondary needs some work, but they've played solid football. The future might come sooner than expected. Midseason Grade: B+

Carolina Panthers

You'd have to say coach John Fox, who came into the season on the hot seat, did exactly what he wanted in the first half. His team ran it and they played great defense. That's the Fox style. He felt they got away from that last season and made getting back to it a priority. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart have done a nice job in the running game. Jake Delhomme has done a nice job taking shots down the field when presented with them. It helps to have a strong running game. The defense is the strength of the team. Defensive end Julius Peppers, who struggled last season, is back to his old ways, creating havoc for opposing defensive tackles. The linebackers have played well and the secondary, led by corners Ken Lucas and Chris Gamble, have really played well. The style they love has them off to a good start, but with Steve Smith now hitting stride they should start to throw it a little more. At some point, that has to be better -- even if Fox prefers to pound the football. Midseason Grade: B

New Orleans Saints

Thank goodness they have Drew Brees. Without his play in the first half, they would be a disaster. His ability to spread the ball around and hit open receivers has him on pace for a 5,000-yard season. That's incredible. And he has done it without his top weapons for most of the year. The running game hasn't been great. They just don't run it well enough. They need to get Deuce McAllister going in the second half of the season. The defense has struggled big time, although it has played better in the past month. The first couple of weeks it was awful. The loss of rookie corner Tracy Porter for the season really hurts the secondary. They've been near the bottom third of the league rankings in defending the pass all season long. Coach Sean Payton does a great job with the passing offense, and it has carried this team, but they need more from the running game in the second half of the season to be a playoff team. Did I really write that? Midseason Grade: C+

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The resurgence of Jeff Garcia at quarterback has given the Bucs life at 5-3. He opened the season as the starter, got hurt, lost his job, and then came back and he won't sit again. He has played too well. The key to the Bucs' offense has been the line. It is one of the best in the NFL. They are powerful. The running game with Earnest Graham and Warrick Dunn has done a nice job. Receiver Antonio Bryant has been a pleasant surprise. The offense will be even better when Joey Galloway returns. The defense is, well, a typical Tampa Bay defense. They run to the ball, play sound Cover-2 schemes and make it a black-and-blue day for all their opponents. The emergence of defensive end Gaines Adams has really helped the front. Jon Gruden has another feisty, tough team that has taken on his personality. Midseason Grade: B-

Arizona Cardinals


Kurt Warner has the Cards offense rolling. (Getty Images)

At some point they have to learn how to win on the road. They're 1-3 on the road. The losses were all on the East Coast, but they blew that game Sunday at Carolina. Kurt Warner has played exceptionally well. The passing game is one of the best in football. Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin are dynamic playmakers. But they need to get more from their running game. The young defense has had moments when it has looked dominant and then it goes bad suddenly. That's youth. They are fast on that side of the ball and there are rising stars in Adrian Wilson and Darnell Dockett. But the consistency hasn't been there. The pass defense has had problems with the big play. They are still the team to beat in the NFC West. But at some point if they win the division they will probably have to play a playoff game on the East Coast. They have to learn to win there. Midseason Grade: B-

St. Louis Rams

After their slow start, Scott Linehan was fired and replaced by the fiery Jim Haslett. That was the right move. Haslett won his first two games and has the team playing much better. The key has been the improved play of both lines. The young defensive line has improved greatly. The offensive line has allowed Marc Bulger a chance to make plays down the field and given Steven Jackson running room. They have some young receivers, such as Donnie Avery, who are starting to show some talent. On defense, there is a nice group of young players, such as Chris Long, Oshiomogho Atogwe and Adam Carriker. They might not be a division winner this season, but if Haslett stays next season it could be different. Considering the way they started the season, where they are now is quite an accomplishment. Midseason Grade: C-

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers played poorly enough the first seven games that coach Mike Nolan was fired. No shock there. He had to win or he was done. The biggest problem in his tenure, and again this season, has been the quarterback play. Alex Smith is a flop and J.T. O'Sullivan is a stopgap player. He has turned the ball over way too much, which is why Shaun Hill took over Sunday. Frank Gore has run well again to highlight the offense. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz needs to get him the ball more. The defense, which was Nolan's strong suit, has been near the bottom of the ratings all season long. They can't get off the field. The 49ers have invested a lot of picks and money on that side of the ball to see the struggles they've had. With Nolan gone, Mike Singletary takes over as the interim coach. It will be interesting to see how this team responds to his style. His move to send Vernon Davis to the showers will be a close one to study. There are some who wonder if Singletary is ready. We'll find out. If not, the 49ers could be looking outside come next season. Midseason Grade: C-

Seattle Seahawks

Poor Mike Holmgren. This isn't how he wanted to leave Seattle. The Seahawks aren't good. With Matt Hasselbeck missing games with injuries, the offense is limited. They struggle to move the ball through the air. Seneca Wallace is more runner than thrower. The running game has had its moments with Julius Jones, but without a threat down the field it's tough to run. The receiving group has been crippled by injuries. That side of the ball has an excuse. The defense does not. They have not played well at all as a unit. They came into the season expecting to be a top 10 unit and have struggled to stop teams all season. They have been near the bottom of the league rankings the entire year. The secondary, which was considered a strong point, has struggled in a big way. Holmgren is leaving after the season, and this has been a rough swan song for him. If Hasselbeck doesn't get back soon, it will be that way the rest of the way. Midseason Grade: C-