As we're halfway through the first half of the NFL season, we here at Hill 364 Sports take this time to look back on what we've witnessed, where we've come from, and where we're heading. Adam and Eric have some first quarter awards to hand out, and then they'll answer some of their burning questions for each other.
Offensive MVP
Adam: Peyton Manning. Although the Colts are 2-2, that has nothing to do with Manning's play. His numbers are ridiculous and he is as sharp as ever.
Eric: Peyton really is the easy choice (second in passing yards, tops in touchdowns, second in completion percentage, sixth in yards per attempt, first in quarterback rating, and has only one interception), but I'll go for Arian Foster. This man's 231-yard, three touchdown performance sealed one of the Texans' biggest wins in their franchise history—Week One against the Colts.
Defensive MVP
A: Troy Polamalu. I know his stats don't stand out this year with only nineteen tackles and two interceptions, but he is the undisputed engine behind the best defense in football. He impacts the game more than any defensive player in football, and he never leaves a play on the field.
E: James Harrison makes the Pittsburgh's defense great, and when you add Polamalu, it becomes transcendent. So since Adam gave his award to Polamalu, I'll give mine to Harrison. Only two years removed from an NFL Defensive Player of the Year campaign, through four games of the 2010 season Harrison has twenty-nine tackles, three sacks, and three forced fumbles.
Most Improved / Bounce Back Player
Adam: Peyton Manning. Although the Colts are 2-2, that has nothing to do with Manning's play. His numbers are ridiculous and he is as sharp as ever.Eric: Peyton really is the easy choice (second in passing yards, tops in touchdowns, second in completion percentage, sixth in yards per attempt, first in quarterback rating, and has only one interception), but I'll go for Arian Foster. This man's 231-yard, three touchdown performance sealed one of the Texans' biggest wins in their franchise history—Week One against the Colts.
Defensive MVP
A: Troy Polamalu. I know his stats don't stand out this year with only nineteen tackles and two interceptions, but he is the undisputed engine behind the best defense in football. He impacts the game more than any defensive player in football, and he never leaves a play on the field.
E: James Harrison makes the Pittsburgh's defense great, and when you add Polamalu, it becomes transcendent. So since Adam gave his award to Polamalu, I'll give mine to Harrison. Only two years removed from an NFL Defensive Player of the Year campaign, through four games of the 2010 season Harrison has twenty-nine tackles, three sacks, and three forced fumbles.
Most Improved / Bounce Back Player
A: Brandon Lloyd. He flashed big play ability early in his career but was all but forgotten heading into this year. Now Lloyd is second in the league in receiving yards and is on pace for a hundred receptions.
E: LaDanian Tomlinson had the worst year of his career last season, rushing for just 730 yards with a measly 3.3 yard per carry average. Considered expendable by San Diego, Tomlinson moved on to Jets where expectations were decidedly low; Tomlinson's preseason role was consigned to being a change-of-pace back for playoff sensation Shonn Greene. As Greene started slowly out of the gate, Tomlinson was there to pick up the slack and then some. In New York Tomlinson has looked rejuvenated, athletic, and healthy—something he couldn't claim his last few years with the Chargers—to the tune of 341 rushing yards and three touchdowns while averaging 6.1 yards per carry.
Top Offensive Rookie
A: Sam Bradford. His numbers aren't mind-blowing, but they are solid, and solid is fantastic for a rookie signal caller. He has already led the lowly Rams to two wins and seems to have breathed some life into this desperate organization.
E: Here I'll go Jahvid Best. He's leading all rookies in rushing yards (174), rushing and total touchdowns (4 and 5 respectively), carries (50), receptions (21), and is second in receiving yards (217). If they would have a healthy Matthew Stafford and had a phantom non-touchdown not been ruled on Calvin Johnson, with the production they're getting from Best, the Lions would not be winless right now.
Top Defensive Rookie
A: Earl Thomas. With twenty-three tackles and three interceptions, Thomas has been exactly the dynamic playmaker Seattle needed.
E: While Adam went with the rookie interceptions leader, I'll go with the rookie sack leader, Ndamukong Suh. With three sacks already to his credit, Suh has been making life tough on opposing quarterbacks and disrupting offensive linemen's attempts to block him. With size, strength, and quickness, Suh is a force in the trenches.
Best Group
A: Colts Wide Receivers. Reggie Wayne and Austin Collie are first and third respectively on the league leader board in receiving yards. Throw in Anthony Gonzalez, Pierre Garcon, and Dallas Clark, you have the best collection of pass catchers in the league.
E: One of the biggest questions coming into the season for Denver was how were they going to replace the presence of Brandon Marshall. For Kyle Orton and the Bronco offense, it has not been any one guy stepping up, but the whole receiving corps as a unit. Sure, Brandon Lloyd is the one racking up the numbers, but it's really an all-around effort with Eddie Royal finding the mojo from his rookie year, Jabar Gaffney looking like he did in New England in '07 (where his offensive coordinator was Josh McDaniels), and Demaryius Thomas making some nice contributions as a rookie.
Worst Group
A: Bears offensive line. Nine sacks allowed in one half against the Giants; that is all.
E: The window is wide open for anyone (and I mean anyone, even St. Louis) to win the NFC West. If Arizona could get any sort of solid quarterback play at all, they could be the easy favorites to win the division. Unfortunately for them they let former first round draft choice, Matt Leinart, go near the end of the preseason, handed the reins to chronic underachiever Derek Anderson for three and a half games, and are now going with undrafted rookie Max Hall at quarterback. We knew replacing Kurt Warner would not be easy, but we didn't think the Cards would look this bad doing it.
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Eric's Questions for Adam
E: Which team, player, or other development has been the biggest surprise?
A: There are a lot of good storylines. I like the emergence of Sam Bradford and Kyle Orton, and the play of teams like the Bears and Steelers has been surprising. Overall though, the most surprising development thus far is the Kansas City Chiefs' success. This was an awful team last year, so for them to start 3-0 is remarkable. They have won in a lot of different ways, but most of all they run the ball well (third in the NFL in yards per game) and they stop the run (fifth in the league). They control the ball and consistently win the field position battle with superb special teams. They don't pass the ball all that well and likewise struggle to stop the pass, so I don't expect this team to be a real threat to make a deep playoff run, but they just might mix things up in the AFC West.
E: Which team, player, or other development has been the biggest disappointment?
A: The 49ers. It's not just because they are my team, but because they are the most talented team in their division and they have simply shot themselves in the foot numerous times in every game. They should have won two of their first four games, but have wasted opportunities and committed huge mistakes to give games away late. With a defense that was third last year in points allowed and an offense that has some nice talent, an 0-4 start is really embarrassing.
E: When do the 49ers win their first game? If you pick them to beat Philly this week, explain why they've gone winless so far.
A: Check this week's Pick-Down to see why the 49ers will win this week. Yeah, like I have any idea who's going to win, look at my record. But I have a feeling as the leaves continue to turn, my luck is about to change.
Top Offensive Rookie
A: Sam Bradford. His numbers aren't mind-blowing, but they are solid, and solid is fantastic for a rookie signal caller. He has already led the lowly Rams to two wins and seems to have breathed some life into this desperate organization.
E: Here I'll go Jahvid Best. He's leading all rookies in rushing yards (174), rushing and total touchdowns (4 and 5 respectively), carries (50), receptions (21), and is second in receiving yards (217). If they would have a healthy Matthew Stafford and had a phantom non-touchdown not been ruled on Calvin Johnson, with the production they're getting from Best, the Lions would not be winless right now.
Top Defensive Rookie
E: While Adam went with the rookie interceptions leader, I'll go with the rookie sack leader, Ndamukong Suh. With three sacks already to his credit, Suh has been making life tough on opposing quarterbacks and disrupting offensive linemen's attempts to block him. With size, strength, and quickness, Suh is a force in the trenches.
Best Group
A: Colts Wide Receivers. Reggie Wayne and Austin Collie are first and third respectively on the league leader board in receiving yards. Throw in Anthony Gonzalez, Pierre Garcon, and Dallas Clark, you have the best collection of pass catchers in the league.
E: One of the biggest questions coming into the season for Denver was how were they going to replace the presence of Brandon Marshall. For Kyle Orton and the Bronco offense, it has not been any one guy stepping up, but the whole receiving corps as a unit. Sure, Brandon Lloyd is the one racking up the numbers, but it's really an all-around effort with Eddie Royal finding the mojo from his rookie year, Jabar Gaffney looking like he did in New England in '07 (where his offensive coordinator was Josh McDaniels), and Demaryius Thomas making some nice contributions as a rookie.
Worst Group
E: The window is wide open for anyone (and I mean anyone, even St. Louis) to win the NFC West. If Arizona could get any sort of solid quarterback play at all, they could be the easy favorites to win the division. Unfortunately for them they let former first round draft choice, Matt Leinart, go near the end of the preseason, handed the reins to chronic underachiever Derek Anderson for three and a half games, and are now going with undrafted rookie Max Hall at quarterback. We knew replacing Kurt Warner would not be easy, but we didn't think the Cards would look this bad doing it.
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Eric's Questions for Adam
E: Which team, player, or other development has been the biggest surprise?
A: There are a lot of good storylines. I like the emergence of Sam Bradford and Kyle Orton, and the play of teams like the Bears and Steelers has been surprising. Overall though, the most surprising development thus far is the Kansas City Chiefs' success. This was an awful team last year, so for them to start 3-0 is remarkable. They have won in a lot of different ways, but most of all they run the ball well (third in the NFL in yards per game) and they stop the run (fifth in the league). They control the ball and consistently win the field position battle with superb special teams. They don't pass the ball all that well and likewise struggle to stop the pass, so I don't expect this team to be a real threat to make a deep playoff run, but they just might mix things up in the AFC West.
E: Which team, player, or other development has been the biggest disappointment?
A: The 49ers. It's not just because they are my team, but because they are the most talented team in their division and they have simply shot themselves in the foot numerous times in every game. They should have won two of their first four games, but have wasted opportunities and committed huge mistakes to give games away late. With a defense that was third last year in points allowed and an offense that has some nice talent, an 0-4 start is really embarrassing.
E: When do the 49ers win their first game? If you pick them to beat Philly this week, explain why they've gone winless so far.
A: Check this week's Pick-Down to see why the 49ers will win this week. Yeah, like I have any idea who's going to win, look at my record. But I have a feeling as the leaves continue to turn, my luck is about to change.
The 49ers have gone winless so far because the coaching has been horrific. The coaching staff has bungled time management situations time after time. They have not been able to design any type of threatening offensive scheme, and they haven't put their players in positions to succeed. With Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, Frank Gore, and two first round offensive linemen drafted this year, the offense has no excuse for producing just thirteen points per game. Smith has been bad, but the offense needs to go through Gore, Davis, and Crabtree; those guys are not getting the ball enough. Smith is capable of getting ball out at the very least, and he just needs to get the football to playmakers. The 49ers have to be more aggressive and give themselves a chance at big plays because they cannot sustain long drives without mistakes. The defense is hard to evaluate because they have been on the field far too much and have had no help from the offense.E: Who wins the NFC West?
A: Well this is a great question. Too bad there's no great team to discuss in this division.
The Seahawks I guess are the favorites because they have a decent, veteran quarterback in Matt Hasselbeck and some weapons on offense with newly acquired Marshawn Lynch joining Leon Washington, John Carlson, Mike Williams, Deion Branch, and Golden Tate.
The Rams won't win it this year because they don't have the talent, and I'm not sure Bradford will stay healthy.
The Cardinals are awful despite being 2-2, and they are going to start rookie Max Hall this week over Derek Anderson. They are in big trouble.
The 49ers are not out of this race even at 0-4 because of how bad the division is. Additionally, the Niners have a very favorable upcoming schedule. They get the Eagles next who won't have Michael Vick or LeSean McCoy. Then they get the Raiders at home, go on the road to face the winless Panthers, get the Broncos in London, then get the Rams and Buccaneers at home, and face the Cardinals on the road. The 49ers would probably have to win five of those seven games to stay competitive in the West. They are capable of beating all of those teams, but San Fran has just been far too inconsistent to think that they can put together a winning streak no matter who they play.
E: How do the Packers fix their running game? Was recent Buffalo emigrant Marshwan Lynch a player they should've gone after?
E: Which team is more likely to miss the Playoffs, Indianapolis or San Diego?
A: You would think the easy answer would be that Indianapolis would miss the playoffs because it is in a tougher division, but ultimately I believe the Colts are just a much better football team than are the Chargers. The Colts will get to at least ten wins because their offense is so potent. Ten wins will certainly get any team into the playoffs this year.
The Chargers don't have their starting left tackle or their top wide receiver, and their number one running back, rookie Ryan Mathews, is banged up. Additionally, their defense is just average. They could easily be an up and down team all year that only musters eight wins, and if that is the case, the Chiefs or Broncos could claim the division title.
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Adam's Questions for Eric
A: With no true threat at running back, a shaky offensive line, and major injuries on defense, are the Packers still a true threat to not only get to the Super Bowl, but also win it?
E: First off, I would not call the offensive line "shaky." They're average; no more, no less. There may be a lapse here or there, but those guys on defense get paid to play the game too. From the latter half of last season to the beginning of this one, I like that Mike McCarthy has found a lineup and stuck with it to at least build continuity. So I consider the offensive line a non-issue when discussing the Packers' future.
The other two areas you mention though are significant problems.
Foremost among them is the loss of middle linebacker Nick Barnett for the season. He was the heart and soul of the defense. Replacing his playmaking ability and leadership will be a true challenge.
I am not quite as worried about losing Morgan Burnett for the year. The word out of Packers training camp was that they liked this guy enough to almost make Atari Bigby expendable. I am glad that move didn't transpire as now the Packers are without Burnett's services. The injury hinders Burnett's growth as a player, but since I was not impressed with what I was seeing on the field in the rookie's first four games, I don't consider this loss a big one for Green Bay moving forward.
The lack of a running game also severely decreases Green Bay's chances of reaching a Super Bowl. One could look at the Colts reaching the Super Bowl last year despite being the 32nd-ranked rushing team in the league, but you can be a passing team in January when you play in a dome and have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. January at Lambeau Field is a different story. The Packers will need to find a running game to be successful in the playoffs or they'll just have to hope they get a decent seed, play some teams from warmer climes, and become road warriors.
The Packers are still a dangerous team and still a threat to make some noise in the postseason, but I doubt they reach the Super Bowl.
A: Are the Vikings a Super Bowl threat with the addition of Randy Moss? If not, what holds them back?
He's 41-years-old. Need I say more?
Having watched every one of Favre's throws so far this year, I can say that he doesn't have a deep ball. The longest passing play he's had was a thirty-three yard completion to Visanthe Shiancoe. Against the Saints Week One, Shaincoe was uncovered down the middle, and though Favre completed the pass, what could've been a touchdown if he had led his receiver was just a high ball where Shiancoe had to break stride, leap straight up to catch the ball, and then fall straight down for no more yards after the catch. Favre has been inaccurate beyond 10-15 yards, which severely limits Moss' game. I also have doubts about Favre holding up for the rest of the way as his bye week came after just three games, but that's a different matter.
Now Favre may be able to turn it around and make me eat my words (this has happened before), but I just haven't seen it yet.
A: Who will be the better team at the end of the year, Ravens or Steelers?
E: Through four games, both teams are 3-1, but we also haven't seen the best from either team. The Steelers have been playing without their Pro Bowl quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, and all-around super back Ray Rice has been hampered by injuries all year. We also haven't seen Ed Reed at all.
This will be a fun matchup the rest of the way and is a very tough one to pick. I will say the Ravens end up on top because they have already beaten Pittsburgh once in Pittsburgh, meaning they have a one game lead built into the standings, and the next time they matchup, it will be in Baltimore. Advantage Ravens.
A: What one player from any team and at any position would you add to the Packers if you could? Explain.
E: This is a ridiculous question so I'm going to give you a ridiculous answer: Adrian Peterson. This move works on two levels. First, it addresses Green Bay's gaping hole at running back, and second, it removes the best player from our division rival, and one of the two best backs in the league no less, and puts him in my team's backfield.A: Who is the best team in football?
E: If I go by record, there's only one way to look, Kansas City Chiefs. But I don't want to do that. I'm going to say the New York Jets have been the best team through four games. They had a poor showing Week One against Baltimore, but Brian Schottenhiemer really put the shackles on Mark Sanchez for no real reason. Since that game, they've opened up the offense and have rattled off three impressive wins against division opponents. This team's loudmouth behavior can be off-putting, but they are backing it up with marvelous play.
A: What will determine who wins the race between the Falcons and Saints in the NFC South?
E: Through four games, the Saints' offense has underachieved while the Falcons' defense has overachieved. What determines the race will be how long those trends go on. If they last throughout the season, the Falcons will knock the Saints off their perch as division champs and prolong the anomaly that since the NFC South's inception, no team has ever repeated as its champion.
(All images from zimbio.com)
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