Nov. 5--A year ago, the Tennessee Titans had to struggle for wins. This season, they can't seem to lose.
The New England Patriots were supposed to make another Super Bowl run, but they are just another contender after losing their best player.
The Dallas Cowboys and San Diego Chargers were widely acknowledged as the two most talented teams and chic picks to reach Super Bowl XLIII. But if the season ended today, neither would even make the playoffs.
A Manning is playing at a Pro Bowl level, and it's not Peyton.
Welcome to the 2008 NFL season where nothing has gone as expected. As we hand out our midseason awards, some of our choices might raise a few eyebrows as well.
Here's a review of the first half of the NFL season: Biggest story
Patriots QB Tom Brady's season- ending knee injury: When Brady's knee crumpled under him in the opener, it created a seismic shift in the NFL's balance of power. Without him, the Patriots have never been more vulnerable and the AFC has become wide open. The AFC East, which the Pats have owned during the Brady era, is now up for grabs with the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets and Miami Dolphins all believing they have a legitimate shot to win the division. Midseason MVP
QB Drew Brees, New Orleans: OK, so the Saints are only 4-4. But Brees has single-handedly kept them in contention. With 2,563 passing yards, he's on pace to break Dan Marino's single-season record despite having his best receivers -- WR Marques Colston, RB Reggie Bush and TE Jeremy Shockey -- miss several games with injuries. Brees, who owns a 101.6 rating, has completed passes to 15 receivers and 15 TD
throws to seven receivers.
Runner-up: RB Clinton Portis, Washington: The backbone of the Redskins' offense leads the NFL in rushing (995 yards) and joined Jim Brown and O. J. Simpson as the only backs in league history to rush for 120-plus yards in five straight games. Offensive player of the first half
See above.
Defensive player of the first half
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