Volume 67, Issue 4  

NFL Midseason Report

by Daniel Groner

In case you missed anything in the first eight weeks of the NFL season, here is a divisional breakdown:

Sitting atop the AFC East are Miami and Buffalo, though they took different paths there.  Miami has shown a commitment to running with star Ricky Williams, while Buffalo has depended on the arm of Drew Bledsoe.  Peerless Price has emerged as a receiving star for Buffalo, leading the league in many categories.  Miami’s defense has been amongst the league’s best and it should hold up strong on their way to the postseason.  The Jets currently reside in last place at 2-5.  It is nearly time for them to refocus for next season.

The AFC North has provided far less interest.  Pittsburgh has not lived up to high expectations, yet still sits in first place at 4-3.  It would be a shock for any team from this division besides Pitt to advance to the playoffs.  This division, along with the AFC South, has done little to attract fans’ attention.  Though Indianapolis currently rules the AFC South, the story here is the disappointing play of Tennessee.  Some expected Eddie George to lead Tennessee back to the playoffs, but now an 8-8 record is more realistic.  It is truly a shame that under current NFL rules one team from each of these divisions must advance to the postseason. 

With each of its teams currently at .500 or better, the AFC West is the talk of the NFL.  Led by a strong defense, the San Diego Chargers have surprised everyone but themselves and sit in first place at 6-1.  However, Denver, Oakland and Kansas City are right on their tails.  Thanks to Priest Holmes’ strong running, Kansas City has averaged over thirty points a game.  These teams have provided high scoring showdowns that should continue into the latter half of the season.  Denver’s D has been most solid, so expect them to make a strong push as the season goes on. 

The NFC East has been one of the tightest divisions thus far.  Washington and New York will continue to battle for second place, but it is Philly’s strong defense that has begun to separate them from the pack.  The New York Giants’ defense has looked vulnerable at times and with Ike Hilliard out for the rest of the season they must show a better commitment to Tiki Barber’s running game.  Donovan McNabb has been always one step ahead of the other team and will lead Philadelphia into yet another postseason.

Green Bay has been the force in the NFC North at 6-1.  For Green Bay, Brett Favre has returned to his superstar form and Ahman Green is running as well as ever.  Little competition looms as the division’s remaining teams are all 2-5 and battling for a distant second.  The Chicago Bears have failed to perform after a turnaround season last year.  Anthony Thomas has not run as well as expected and their defense has been shaky at best.    

The NFC South has been one of the most entertaining divisions thus far.  Though New Orleans and Tampa remain at the top, they must be wary of a surprising Atlanta squad led by star Michael Vick.  New Orleans, though, has been tough and should hold onto the division lead.  Aaron Brooks has demonstrated a keen ability to find the open receiver under intense pressure.  Tampa seems to have adjusted well to new coach Jon Gruden.  Gruden, previously the coach of the Oakland Raiders, has brought with him a more powerful offense to complement one of the league’s best defenses.

San Francisco leads the NFC West division with a 5-2 record, but the big news here has been the slow start of St. Louis.  At 2-5, they sit tied for last and are close to being eliminated from playoff contention.  Kurt Warner’s thumb injury is the main reason for their decline.  With unproven quarterbacks at the helm, the Rams’ high-powered offense has lost some energy.  In San Francisco, Coach Mariucci has found a way to keep temperamental star receiver Terrell Owens happy with his role on the team.  Jeff Garcia’s numbers are way up and everything seems to be clicking well there.

As the last five years’ trend towards parity continues, anything can happen in football.  Some of the strongest teams from last year have faltered and surprise teams are poised for postseason berths.  Showcasing both high-scoring showdowns and tough defensive affairs, this season has picked up where the exciting conclusion to last season left off.

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