Midseason Grades AFC EAST

Bills- F

I will make this short and sweet. The Oregon Ducks could put up 50 on this team. To say they have bright spots on this team is like saying "W" could win Jeopardy. They'll be picking #1 overall in 2011,2012 and 2013.

Dolphins- B

This is a scrappy team that will rope-a-dope you until you make a mistake, and then POW right in the kisser. That is, unless, they are home. How can you have a winning record and not win any of your first 3 games at home. You must be able to impose your will on teams when you are in you're own home! The addition of Brandon Marshall was a step in the right direction, but may not have been enough to put this team atop this unreal division. Best thing Miami has done is to acquire Mr. Everything on defense, Karlos Dansby. He has played better than advertised. I just don't think the Dolphins have enough to get them into the post season this year.

Jets- B-

Any other year you tell a Jets fan that after 8 weeks they'll be 5-2, they would be excited and their grade would most likely be an A. After this offseason and build up, this team makes you nervous because they seem to not be on the same page every game. When they are firing on all cylinders, they just might be the best team in the league, but every so often they show you a glimpse of just how bad they can be. What got them so far into the playoffs last season was the fact they caught fire near the end of the year, and if it happens again this year the curse of Namath just might be lifted.

Patriots- B+

Tom Brady + Bill Belichick = 10 wins. All they need is the rest of the team to get them 2 more wins and this division is theirs. The '10 Pats eerily remind you of the last Super Bowl winning Pats team, which doesn't bode well for the rest of the NFL. It may not be through the same dominating fashion as they are used to, but not many would be shocked if the Lombardi Trophy is in the hands of Mr. Kraft and the rest of the New England franchise.

Midseason Grades AFC NORTH

Steelers- A

Now that the Big Frat-boy scandal is behind them, Pittsburgh can resume doing what they do. WIN. Quite possibly the most complete NFL team from top to bottom. The problem is other teams in their conference are just as complete. Look for this team to contend for it all, and come February we may be witnessing the best Pittsburgh team ever.

Ravens- B+

It's a shame they are in the same division as the Steelers because this team clearly deserves a divisional title. And while they might get it, they will certainly have earned it. Show of hands of people who still cringe every time you see Ray Lewis hit someone. (both hands up!!!) He seems to defy age and still performs at the highest level. He makes everyone around him play at a level that they never thought was possible. Offensively, I didn't think I would be saying this, but I feel their passing attack is more of a threat then their rushing attack. QB Joe Flacco is being utilized in such a way that he can't fail. As the season goes on RB Ray Rice will become used more and more because as the old saying goes, you must be able to rush the ball in the playoffs.

Browns- D

I understand that we shouldn't expect much from a franchise that is trying to rebuild, but, man, they are just, flat out, not a competitive product. This needs to stop, and I hope that Holmgren can finally steer this sinking ship out of the graveyard because Cleveland is in dire need of something positive to grasp onto after the artist formally known as LeBron shed the city for brighter horizons.

Bengals- D+

Is it me, or does this team completely disappoint you every year? You have two hall of fame receivers, maybe past their prime but still viable options, and you have a Heisman Trophy winning QB at the helm. I'm thinking the coaching staff needs to update the resumes because after this season is over they will be looking for jobs. This staff has probably been in power for 2 years too long, despite their making the playoffs last year. The way I see it, though, is the talent this team has on paper does not equal the results they get on Sunday, and the coaching staff has to accept responsibility for this.

Midseason Grades AFC SOUTH

Colts- A-

I don't ever think anyone will ever doubt just how good Peyton Manning is. Manning is more machine than man and is truly out of this world. With possibly the worst receiving corps in the NFL due to injuries etc... Manning doesn't miss a beat. They could bring in the ball boy from the sidelines, line him up at wide receiver, and Manning would make him a Pro Bowler--not to be confused with a professional bowler. But the success of this team does not fall all on the shoulders of Peyton. The big man upstairs, GM Bill Polian, is, and has been, the best GM in the NFL for a decade. Polian knows how to find diamonds in the rough and is like the Billy Beane of football; contracts are low, talent is high. You have to wonder, though, how long the Colts can keep getting away without having premier players besides Manning.

Jaguars- F

It baffles me that a team with one of the most dynamic running backs in the league, Maurice Jones-Drew, could manage to be so bad. Welcome to Jacksonville, home of empty stadiums and empty win columns. Other then MJD there is not one intimidating aspect of this team. Defense underachieves, they have a horrendous QB who can't accurately throw the ball deep. I feel for coach Jack Del Rio, though, because I think he is better than this. However, he won't be around next year to find out. Who knows, maybe Jacksonville won't be in Jacksonville in the near future anyway. Los Angeles Cougars sound good to any one???

Titans- B-

Something about this team just rubs me the wrong way, and I'm not sure what it is. Just when you think Vince Young is going to make leaps and bounds towards NFL stardom he finds a way to take 2 steps back. Clearly, Chris Johnson can run for 3000 yards if he wanted to. He is a human video game and makes defenses look silly, but a mediocre passing attack allows teams to pack the box on Mr. Johnson. Maybe Randy Moss will be just the piece they need. Just make sure the catering is top shelf!!!! The major question is, does this team have what it takes to challenge the Colts for the division title? As much as you would like to say yes, it won't happen. They will end up on the outside looking in.

Texans- B-

You want nothing more than to see this team make the playoffs, not because you like them but because you hate the Cowboys that much more. Dallas' little brother is all grown up!!! The Texans are a very scary team with the discovery of Arian Foster, who makes a dangerous offense frightening!!! Health is an issue for Houston with the loss of DeMeco Ryans, the defensive leader and anchor of a young talented linebacking group. If the Colts are to be dethroned, the Texans will be the team to unseat them, but, unfortunately, this will be the only scenario where they make the playoffs.

Midseason Grades AFC WEST

Chargers- D+

San Diego has put all of their eggs in the Philip Rivers basket, which is not a bad move because he clearly has proven he is one of the top QBs in the league. Their offense has been lacking the effectiveness it had in years past. Statistically they should never be outscored but they seem to always find a way to shoot themselves in the foot either by committing penalties or turning the ball over. With Jackson coming back soon maybe he can sure the team back up and get back that offensive magic they are accustomed too. Remember the days when San Diego fielded an NFL level defense? I sure do, and they were a scary force. The wannabes they have on defense now are a mess. For 3+ seasons this defense has desperately needed a jolt, but time and time again management ignores the glaring issues on this side of the ball. You have to play both offense and defense in this league if you want to be successful.

Raiders- B

Little known secret about the Raiders is they have had a top notch defense for some time now. The PROBLEM has been that very defense was asked to play 3/4 of the game, and that is never a recipe for success. It is, quite frankly, a shame because they don't get enough credit. In recent weeks the offense has discovered that controlling the ball and getting first downs translates into wins! It's an amazing epiphany. Mr. McFadden has been running like his shoes are fire, and it is about time he started earning his high draft pick money. Michael Bush is a super complement with his bruising runs between the tackles. Jason Campbell just has to not turn the ball over at the same frequency that he did in Washington, and things will run smooth for "da Raaaaaaaiders". Maybe with some smarter choices on draft day this team can return to the playoffs where they used to be a regular fixture.

Broncos- D-

This team is quite the enigma. I can't figure them out, and I'm sure their fans have the same puzzled look every Sunday. Coach Josh McDaniels has decided to live and die by the pass, running is not even an option for him unless its the Chosen One, Tim Tebow, in goal line situations. There is a major flaw with this strategy: you have no major threats. Floyd has been a nice story, but he is nowhere near the top of the receiving pedestal. I sometimes get the feeling that McDaniels thinks he can emulate the 16-0 Pats with lesser parts. Hey, Josh, nowhere on your roster do you possess a player of Randy Moss's (pre-2010) caliber. Until they find either a running game, or develop a true #1 WR, you will be faced with another average season.

Chiefs- A+

Hands down the biggest surprise team/story of the year. What GM Scott Pioli and staff have been able to achieve so quickly is remarkable!!! This team was a doormat in the NFL just 1year ago. Now they are atop their division and do not seem to be relinquishing that spot anytime soon. They'll win this weak division, get themselves in the playoffs, and at that point who knows what will happen. Expect great things from this franchise for many years to come.

Midseason Grades NFC WEST

49ers- C-

Mike Singletary seemed to be the savior last season for a franchise still trying to regain the glory of previous decades. His brash and upfront approach was refreshing and welcomed. It now seems to be going a bit too far, and, quite possibly, could be dividing the locker room. Modern day players can handle the constant in your face approach when things are going well, but after a while they just tune you out and your "lessons" fall on deaf ears. But the blame cannot fall on Singletary alone; the players need to play at a higher level then what they have been. The Alex Smith project has been nothing short of a failure. The constant changing of coordinators is not going to hide the fact that he will never be a consistent NFL starting QB, but they have to keep playing him because the alternative is not much better. They need to use the second half to find some positives and try to mold your team around them. Don't worry though because you are off the hook this season any ways thanks to the SF Giants winning the world series!!!

Seahawks- B+

Pete Carroll has done a fantastic job with this team this season. I, like many others, expected this experiment to blow up all over the place. Well, my apologizes to Pete! He has brought a fun brand of high tempo football to Seattle. This team still does not have all the weapons some of the more elite teams in the league have, but they do seem to united behind their coach and could be a real surprise going thru the rest of the season.

Rams- B

Ok, ok, so they aren't great but look how many more wins they have this season ALREADY compared to last season. What's so impressive about this team is that they are doing this with a rookie at QB in Sam Bradford. Bradford has been shaky at times (which is to be expected) but he possesses the moxie of a future NFL great. He needs to stay healthy, and so do the Rams receivers, or what's left of them. Jackson may be talked about often, but i still feel he is under-rated. Is there anything he cant do? Up the middle, bouncing outside, screen pass, across the middle, and even blocks!!! He can do it all. Bright future for this Rams team, and for the rest of the year who knows, they could catch and pass some teams if things fall their way.

Cardinals- C-

How can this be the same team that was just recently in the Super Bowl? They don't even look

like a shell of their former selves. By them letting Boldin go, they completely changed their

receiving corps. They needed to pick a QB up in the draft or thru free agency because we all saw the

Leinart disaster coming. Upon further review, a C- might be too high. Considering this team is no threat to win anything this season. Sorry Larry Fitzgerald, you are all they have!!!

Midseason Grades NFC SOUTH

Saints- C

Maybe they are on a Super Bowl hang over, or maybe this team is finally bouncing back to reality. Last year they completely over achieved and made special plays. This year they are seriously lacking in the special play department. I didn't think the injury to Reggie Bush would be as detrimental as it has been. They are missing his explosiveness in all three facets of his game. Teams don't have to scheme for Pierre Thomas with the same level of dread as they do for Reggie Bush. On the defensive side it's just not clicking this year; take-aways are nowhere near where they were last year. But all is not lost, remember this is a Super Bowl winning team, so they shouldn't be counted out, just a little less intimidating then last season.

Falcons- B

The ATL should be happy, but not ecstatic with these Falcons. Inconsistency has been their downfall thus far. When they are hot and things are clicking, no one in the NFC can stop them, when its not clicking...ehhh it doesn't look good. Great young nucleus, with Ryan at the helm, but the team just seems to lack that killer instinct that a great team has.

Panthers- D

Seems to be a team who, though talented offensively, is struggling to find an identity. Are they a rushing team? Are they a deep threat team? Are they both? What it seems to me is that they are neither. The merry-go-round QB situation they have going on is not helping the situation either. Matt Moore needs to be starting on the pure fact that Jimmy Clausen needs more time to get acclimated with the speed and defenses of the NFL. You have two running backs who compliment each other nicely, but when teams can stack 9 in the box, it's going to be tough to run the football no matter who's in the backfield. Defensively, their biggest blunder is letting Peppers go to Chicago during the off-season. How do you not resign this man? On top of that, what did you replace him with? However you slice it, the Panthers defense lacks an explosive pass rushing attack.

Buccaneers- B

Solid effort by this young team/staff. Freeman does seem to be refining his game on the fly, and with the addition of talented young receivers in Williams and Benn, up is the only direction this team can go. Defense has some workable parts but still needs some key position upgrades to maybe get that offense back on the field as quickly as possible. This is a fun team to watch because you never know when the big play is coming, and you just know it is. So far they have been a pleasant surprise and are right in it.

Midseason Grades NFC NORTH

Bears- C-

This Bears team has been rather disappointing to both their fans and fans of the high scoring teams Mike Martz's offenses typically produce. The thought was Martz was finally getting the QB he's always dreamed of in Jay Cutler. Well he did, but it's more of a nightmare than anything else. The failures of the Bears fall squarely on their offense and nowhere else. A positive note is the "rebirth" of Matt Forte as a Marshall Faulk-like back. He had a terrible year last season and seems to fit into the passing game quite nicely. Peppers was a nice addition to a defense that needed a little jolt to their front line.

Vikings- D

The truth is the Vikings coaching staff has managed to completely destroy a very good team by being impatient. Look, we are all sick of the Favre thing, every week since the end of last season it seems as if he is in the news for something. Minnesota has made Favre bigger than the team, plain and simple. Instead of building around their young talent they decided to throw all of their chips on the table and gamble on Favre. Well guess what, they went bust!!!! HUGE mistake bringing Favre back so late, and to even go further down the rabbit hole, they brought in Randy Moss (to appease Favre) who never wanted to be there from the start. Coach Brad Childress needs to go along with any one else who helped make these decisions and build with youth not age!

Lions- B-

How can I give a team with a bad record such a good grade? Easy. This is not a bad team, they are young and EXTREMELY talented in many key positions. They just havent been able to put it altogether yet. The defense does look like Swiss cheese at times, but maybe with some smart acquisitions and a good draft this can be fixed. Suh is a monster in the middle, and has proven to be a game changer. Megatron is uncoverable! End of story! If Stafford can work through his injury issues, this team can make some steps to becoming a playoff team in the next few seasons.

Packers- B+

Now before you go saying this is way too high of a grade, just stop and think for a minute about what this team has gone thru this season. Injury upon injury, and yet this team still brings it every Sunday. They may not be the dominating team everyone thought they would be, but they are grinding out W's, and winning ugly is a sign of a good team, and thats what they are.

Midseason Grades NFC EAST

NFC EAST

Giants- B

After a dismal and injury riddled 2009 season, the G-men are finally healthy and seem to have things moving in the right direction. They have settled their defensive issues of the previous year. On the offensive side of the ball, passing has been the biggest surprise with the emergence of Nicks, Smith and Manningham, a solid and threatening receiving corps.

Redskins- D-

It was not long ago that Mike Shanahan was an elite coach with the commanding presence both on and off the field. With this Skins team, he is not the same coach that he was with Denver. Maybe it's the staff, maybe it's the lack of offensive talent, but it seems to me that he just has not grasped the locker room. He assembled a stable of old, worn out running backs, instead of finding a diamond in the rough as he did in Denver. The only thing he has done worth noting is to finally sit an overpaid underachieving player in Albert Haynesworth, which in my opinion is a great move, but may very well be the reason why this team is in shambles.

Eagles- C

Eagles off season was dominated by the quarterback position as they traded away Donovan McNabb and annointed Kevin Kolb the starter. It seems that young Kolb was given keys to the car without having his license yet, however. Michael Vick, when healthy, has shown to be the more dangerous threat, sticking with Vick seems to be counterintuitive to their off-season plans of giving Kolb the job. Message to Andy Reid, figure out which direction you want to go in, stick by a QB and your team will be successful.

Cowboys- F

Enjoy your top 3 pick this year because you are an overhyped, under disciplined squad who desperately needs a strong willed leader at the helm. I mean, when was Wade Philips ever successful as an NFL head coach?? Here's your answer: NEVER. So why, oh why, did Mr. Jones leave him in charge? Someone please answer this because I'm baffled by this whole series of events. I, for one, still do not drink from the Romo Kool-Aid. His idol is Favre, but it seems the only part Romo emulates of Favre is his ability to throw to the other team, especially in crucial situations. SEASON OVER. Bring on the draft!!!