NFL Midseason Report
SportingNews.com
Nov 04, 2010
As we hit the midpoint of the '10 NFL season, we asked Sporting News's four NFL staff writers -- Clifton Brown, Dennis Dillon, Steve Greenberg and Vinnie Iyer -- for their quick thoughts on five big questions:
1. Which team is in for a second-half fall?
Brown: Jaguars. Amazing they are 4-4, considering all four losses have been by at least 22 points. They have a difficult schedule ahead, including road games at the Giants, Titans, Colts and Texans. Tough times are ahead.
Dillon: Jaguars. Jacksonville is treading water in the NFL's most competitive division, and it faces a difficult second-half schedule that includes two games against the Texans and road games at the Giants, Titans and Colts.
Greenberg: Bears. The team's fall is already nearing full bore. They can't rush the passer or protect their ownJay Cutler's stubborn ways are contributing mightily to the latter disastrous reality.
Iyer: Bears. They made some great escapes early in the season, but games against the Vikings, Dolphins, Eagles, Lions, Patriots, Jets and Packers really will be a burden on their offensive line.
2. Which team is primed for a second-half surge?
Brown: Vikings. Things are a mess at the moment. But even without Randy Moss, they remain one of the NFC's most talented teams. The playoffs are iffy, but they will string some wins together unless they quit on coach Brad Childress.
Dillon: Packers. Despite all their injuries, the Packers have played well and should be able to hold off the Bears and the disappointing Vikings in the NFC North. Look for a second-half push similar to last year.
Greenberg: Vikings. Don't count out these guys, who play five of their next seven games at home. Their only road opponents between now and Christmas are the easily beatable Bears and Redskins.
Iyer: Ravens. They have proved they can win defensive duels and shootouts alike, putting them in great position for the variety of opponents they will face.
3. What player needs to have a big second half?
Brown: Mark Sanchez, QB, Jets. We know they can play defense. We know they can run the ball. We don't know if Sanchez can carry the offense in crucial situations. The Jets' Super Bowl hopes might depend on him.
Dillon: Drew Brees, QB, Saints. If the Saints are going to make a playoff run, their quarterback has to recapture the magic that made him such a dominating passer over the last three years. As Brees goes, so go the defending Super Bowl champs.
Greenberg: Ray Rice, RB, Ravens. Before the Ravens can lock in as a Super Bowl contender, they have to get Rice untracked. Rice deserves more red-zone touches and a lot more action in the passing game.
Iyer: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers. Partly because of injuries around him, he has had a modest start. He must turn it up to ensure Green Bay is the NFC favorite.
4. What coach needs a good second half to save his job?
Brown: Josh McDaniels, Broncos. He is under fire, not only for how the team has performed but for the personnel decisions he has made. If the Broncos finish last in the AFC West, it would be hard for him to make a strong case to return for '11.
Dillon: Mike Singletary, 49ers. Clearly, this season hasn't been his kind of party. Many expected the 49ers to win the NFC West. Instead, it's been one disastrous moment after another in the Bay area.
Greenberg: Norv Turner, Chargers. You already know about the obvious guys. But what about Turner? He can't afford any more divisional losses, and the Chargers had better win a couple of road games.
Iyer: Gary Kubiak, Texans. There was big promise for Houston to finally make the playoffs with a 2-0 start. If the season ends with a thud, watch out.
5. Which rookie is set for a breakout second half?
Brown: LeGarrette Blount, RB, Buccaneers. He has taken over as the featured back and should earn even more carries. His physical running style has added balance to their offense.
Dillon: Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots. The second-round pick has had a fairly quiet start to his NFL career (10 catches, 101 yards), although he has scored three touchdowns. Look for him to have a big second half as he and Tom Brady get more comfortable with each other.
Greenberg: Ryan Mathews, RB, Chargers. He has to get it going. QB Philip Rivers is not Peyton Manning -- for one thing, he doesn't have good enough receivers to do it by himself.
Iyer: Mathews. Their prolific passing game is starting to open up running lanes, and Mathews is steadily improving with each game.
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