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NFL News, Opinion, Top PostsTMCB: Midseason surprises and clunkers
EDDIE LEE
NFLPosts.com Editor
At this point in the season, contenders are separating from pretenders, the stars are beginning to sparkle a little bit brighter and the dogs are lying down quicker than you can say “LJ.”
So without further ado, a completely biased compilation of what the first half of the season has revealed:
SURPRISE PLAYER AND TEAM: Cedric Benson and the Cincinnati Bengals
Redemptive stories don’t get much better than Benson, who ran for 189 yards in a 45-10 win over the team that released him and gouged the Ravens for back-to-back 100-yard games in the series sweep of the Bengals’ division rivals. Released prior to 2008, an ignored free agent in 2009, Benson is the league’s second-leading rusher.
The Bengals offense is not what it once was but it’s still good enough to win with a defense that is the second-stingiest to run on. Credit goes to LBs Dhani Jones, Keith Rivers, Brandon Johnson and rookie Ray Malauaga, and DTs Domata Peko and Tank Johnson.
Honorable mentions: Vernon Davis, 49ers, Denver Broncos
MOST DISAPPOINTING: Matt Forte and the Chicago Bears
A fantasy top-four pick, Forte has either hit a sophomore slump, is battling nagging injuries, can’t overcome the inability of his offensive line or is turning into the Bears’ version of Cedric Benson. Whatever the reason, Forte remains on pace to accomplish 70 per cent of what he did as a rookie.
Who knew the Jay Cutler-Kyle Orton deal also meant the team’s defenses would trade places? Denver’s D is third toughest to score on while the Bears rank 22nd. Injuries have shelved LB Brian Urlacher and made DT Tommie Harris a shadow of himself but that doesn’t explain how Carson Palmer and Kurt Warner can rack up 10 TD passes.
Dishonorable mentions: Kerry Collins and the Tennessee Titans
THE MVP: Peyton Manning, Colts, and Drew Brees, Saints
It’s a two-horse race between Manning and Brees. They’ve traded the lead back and forth and will likely continue to do so for the remainder of the season. Far on the outside however, a purple silk with the No. 4 is making a run worthy of a cherished longshot.
Honourable mention: Brett Favre, Vikings
THE LVP: Larry Johnson, Chiefs
The first big name to be released this season, Johnson finally wore out his welcome on a 1-7 team after ripping his coach via Tweeter and then adding a couple of gay slurs for good measure. This from a guy averaging 2.7 yards per carry. Woof.
Dishonorable mention: Terrell Owens, Bills
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Percy Harvin, Vikings
With Mark Sanchez falling to earth, sorry Canton Watch, this is a race that will be decided by the Favre factor. Should Brett Favre remain upright, and thus allow every waking moment of his life to be chronicled by all media, Harvin will be a main benificiary. Harvin is second among freshman receivers behind the Colts’ Austin Collie but is also second in kickoff returns, having returned two to the house.
Honorable mention: Watch for the late-starting Michael Crabtree, 49ers.
THE LEAST IMPACTFUL ROOKIE: Darrius Heyward-Bey, Raiders
It doesn’t help Heyward-Bey to have JaMarcus Russell heaving medicine balls but 5 catches for 74 yards out of the No. 7 pick is pathetic, even if you’re drafted a round or two earlier than anticipated. The Raiders are getting better production out of their 4th-round pick, Louis Murphy (16-232-1), who, coincidentally, was Harvin’s teammate at Florida.
Dishonorable mention: Tyson Jackson, Chiefs
COACH OF THE YEAR: Sean Payton, Saints, and Jim Caldwell, Colts
Hard to go against two men who have yet to lose this season. In the case of Caldwell, the rookie coach has yet to taste defeat as a head man. With his 8th win, Caldwell tied the immortal Potsy Clark of the 1931 Portsmouth Spartans for the best start by a rookie coach.
Honorable mention: Brad Childress, Vikings
COACH ON THE CURB: Eric Mangini, Browns
Among other things, the Browns coach is on possibly his second QB shuffle in five weeks, has fined a player $11,000 for not paying for a hotel water bottle, shipped rookies by bus to his private football camp out of state while he took an airplane seat. Wonder why his players don’t play harder?
Dishonorable mention: Dick Jauron, Bills
THE SWEET SIX
| TEAM | REC. | LW | |
| New Orleans | 8-0 | 1 | Slow starts haven’t cost them yet |
| Indianapolis | 8-0 | 2 | Texans a tune-up for annual November showdown with the Patriots |
| Minnesota | 7-1 | 3 | A bye and then the Lions. Two-week holiday timely for Favre |
| New England | 6-2 | 4 | Dolphins pay dearly for single coverage on Randy Moss |
| Cincinnati | 6-2 | 6 | Damn that Ochocinco has got it all going on. |
| Dallas | 6-2 | NR | Austin Miles has given Cowboys a huge spark |
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