NFL Mid-Season Report Cards

AFC: http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/10353360/NFL-midseason-report-card:-AFC-grades
NFC: http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/10345940/NFL-midseason-report-card:-NFC-grades

Feel free to post your teams progress report!

Kansas City Chiefs (1-7)
Grade: F

Making the grade: Before taking the job, first-year Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli knew the rebuilding process would be painful. He was correct. A massive roster overhaul and attitude adjustment from the previous Herm Edwards/Carl Peterson regime has the same feel as airline turbulence.

Most valuable player: QB Matt Cassel. Cassel hasn't posted the same gaudy passing numbers as last season in New England when he replaced the injured Tom Brady for 15-plus games. But he has exhibited resiliency and leadership while surrounded by a much less talented cast.

Biggest disappointment: RB Larry Johnson. He could have gained recognition as Kansas City's all-time rushing leader. Instead, Johnson was released 74 yards from that milestone because of gay slurs and anti-management criticism he levied after a 37-7 loss to San Diego. Under former Chiefs president/GM Carl Peterson, Johnson landed a contract extension in 2007 that guaranteed him $19 million. One season later, Peterson dealt defensive end Jared Allen to Minnesota. Since then, Johnson has tanked while Allen has become an NFL Defensive MVP candidate. This is part of the mess that Pioli inherited.

Health status: Injuries aren't a factor in Kansas City's miserable start.

Second-half forecast: Despite this season's hiccups, Pioli accomplished enough in a near decade with New England to earn the benefit of the doubt going forward. Todd Haley may need to tone down his animated style for long-term success as a head coach.

*sigh* My poor beloved Raiders:

Oakland Raiders (2-6)
Grade: D
Making the grade: Tom Cable's history of anger management problems is far more intriguing than the lame product Oakland is again putting on the field. The Raiders have talent — just ask Philadelphia after last month's 13-9 Raiders upset — but are far too inconsistent for long-term success.

Most valuable player: CB Nnamdi Asomugha. Before the NFL trade deadline elapsed last month, Profootballtalk.com reported that the Raiders would listen to offers for every player except Asomugha. That speaks volumes about how well Asomugha continues to play despite being mired in such miserable surroundings.

Biggest disappointment: QB JaMarcus Russell. It isn't just Russell's passing statistics that are so disheartening. The No. 1 pick of the 2007 draft doesn't grasp the other nuances needed for success at the position. His lack of leadership, shoddy conditioning and obliviousness to the importance of both has Russell showing all the earmarks of being a mega-bust.

Health status: The expected post-bye return of RB Darren McFadden (knee), WR Chaz Schilens (foot) and LG Robert Gallery (leg) will give Russell a better chance of improving Oakland's 32nd-ranked offense.

Second-half forecast: The Raiders seem destined for an NFL-record seventh straight season with at least 11 losses. That could make Cable the fifth consecutive head coach who didn't last more than two seasons under Raiders owner Al Davis.

To be honest, I would not have given them a D and I would have spent a lot more typing time trashing Jamarcus Russell than the writer did. JR is the biggest disappointment I've seen in many years. His mind is NOT where it should be, and it appears he thinks too highly of himself to listen to anyone else.
The Raiders problems will be fixed with 3 new acquisitions. A new owner, a new coach and a new quarterback. Then we'll be back to the greatness that is the tradition of the RAIDER NATION!

I didn't really have to look to know the Browns got an "F". You know the really sad part about this season is there have only been 2 maybe 3 games that they were out of at half time. Their second half play has been horrid this season. Not that their first half was any better. :crying:

Smalls you want to drown our sorrow's with beer??

My Dolphins are a C-, that's actually better than I expected.

Surprised they were so kind with my Redskins, only giving them a D. They deserve an F in my mind. Their first 5 games were against winless teams. We gave Detroit their first win in two seasons, and we gave Small's KC Chiefs only win this year.

Washington Redskins (2-6)
Grade: D

Making the grade: I rarely watch the NFL Network's league-friendly propaganda, but a sound byte from Week 2 programming still echoes through my mind. Facing a 4th-and-1 late in a 9-7 win over lowly St. Louis, Redskins coach Jim Zorn called a Clinton Portis sweep that was stuffed. Afterward, Zorn lamented how the Rams could stonewall his bread-and-butter rushing play. Hmm ... no wonder Zorn was relieved of his play-calling duties after Week 6.

Most valuable player: John Riggins. He retired 24 years ago, but the Hall of Fame running back-turned-media/YouTube personality struck a chord with Redskins faithful by slamming team owner Dan Snyder. Regardless of whether Riggins was justified in his vicious verbal assault — accusing Snyder of being a "bad man" and having a "dark" heart — the gauntlet was tossed for Washington to correct its front-office mess.

Biggest disappointment: QB Jason Campbell. The Redskins hitched their wagon to the underwhelming Campbell by not acquiring another starting-caliber player in the offseason. Big mistake. Campbell shows no big-play ability while ranking 18th in NFL quarterback ranking.

Health status: The offensive line is a disaster with two veteran starters (LT Chris Samuels and RG Randy Thomas) on injured reserve. Campbell is also unlikely to have the services of Portis and TE Chris Cooley for Sunday's game against Denver.

Second-half forecast: As Phish might lament, watching the Redskins is Chalkdust Torture. I wonder if a bidding war may ensue between Washington and Cleveland for Mike Holmgren to oversee their dysfunctional organizations.

bogeyme said:

Smalls you want to drown our sorrow's with beer??

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I think we deserve one bogey!

The best/worst thing about the Chiefs season is there really isn't a valid excuse:

Health status: Injuries aren't a factor in Kansas City's miserable start.

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The next 3 weeks will really tell us where the Broncos are. Can they play even a team like the Redskins outside of their home field? We'll see tomorrow. Then SD here and that could be the pivotal game this season.

Denver Broncos (6-2)
Grade: B+

Making the grade: A two-game losing streak has thrown a wet blanket on Denver's 6-0 start. But considering the doom-and-gloom preseason scenarios surrounding the franchise amid the Jay Cutler/Brandon Marshall drama, Denver is far exceeding expectations in Josh McDaniels' first year as head coach.

Most valuable player: OLB Elvis Dumervil. Shame on previous coaches for not realizing this four-year veteran was best suited in an OLB role than traditional pass-rushing DE in a 4-3 scheme. Under new coordinator Mike Nolan, Dumervil is tied with Minnesota's Jared Allen for the NFL lead at 10.5 sacks.

Biggest disappointment: Whoever is punting this week. Mitch Berger is Denver's third different specialist since the preseason. How can anyone kicking in mile-high altitude struggle?


Second-half forecast: The true litmus test for Denver will come Nov. 22 when reigning AFC West kingpin San Diego rolls into town. The winner will be the frontrunner to win the division.

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B+ for the Pats - the next few weeks are going to be tough - @Colts, Jets, @Saints and then @Dolphins.....