Mid-Season Report Card

More than half of the NFL regular season is in the books. It went by so fast! It seems like yesterday Brett Favre signed with the Vikings. While half of the season is in the past, the other half is in the future. Eight more weeks of intense football is ahead of us, giving all thirty-two teams a chance to shine. The first half of the year is always important though, and getting off to a good start puts teams in a comfortable position. Here is my mid-season report card and awards.

Most Surprising but Impressive Team - Denver Broncos
The Broncos have really surprised me so far. They trade away their Pro Bowl quarterback and who they thought would be their QB of the future Jay Cutler. What do they get in return? A mediocre Kyle Orton. Orton had a rough preseason, but he has played anything but mediocre this year, with just 1 interception all year and a 95.5 QB rating and has led the Broncos to a 6-1 record. Also, the defense, with the addition of Brian Dawkins and his leadership, allow an NFL low 266.7 yards per game and are 3rd in the league in sacks with 23. With an emerging Elvis Dumervil and a dangerous Broncos defense, they are one team no offense wants to face.

Most Surprisingly Disappointing Team - Tennessee Titans
The Titans are an interesting team. Vince Young has started their last two games and they've won both, so it looks like they might get hot again. But the Titans lost their first 6 games despite having the 3rd best run game in the league and the league's best RB so far, Chris Johnson, who has 959 yards already in his first 8 games. But their defense has been atrocious compared to last year, allowing more total YPG than every team in the league except for Cleveland and have allowed a league-worst of just under 30 points per game, even though they haven't played four of the league's six highest scoring teams.

MVP - Drew Brees
Similar to last year, Brees is putting up incredible numbers. Brees leads the league in touchdown passes with 17 and has led the Saints to a perfect 8-0 record at the midway point. Brees also leads the league in QB rating with an amazing 106.1. Peyton got MVP last year, but Brees has made a very strong case again this year.

Rookie of the Year - Percy Harvin
The Vikings' first round draft pick out of Florida has made a clear impact already. Harvin's lightning speed has made him a threat in the backfield and towards the sideline. Harvin already has 2 kick return TDs and has provided an extra spark to the prolific Minnesota offense.

Defensive MVP - Jared Allen
The defensive end has been a monster at the line of scrimmage through eight games. He already has 10.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and a safety. Him along with the other DE Ray Edwards and Pat and Kevin Williams make up one of the leagues' best defensive lines. He's played half the season but still made it his fourth season with 10+ sacks, even though he's only played five years before this one.