Bob Glauber's midseason awards
Halfway through an NFL season already dripping with tantalizing story lines, it's almost guaranteed that we're set up for even more intrigue down the stretch and into the playoffs. Why can we say that with such certainty? Because with no team in either conference with fewer than two losses, and with six of eight divisions separated by no more than two games among the top three teams, the prospects for enticing races are boundless.
So settle in and enjoy the ride into January. In the meantime, here are our first-half winners and losers:
MVP:
Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons:
He has emerged as one of the most consistent passers in the game, and he's the main reason the Falcons are 7-2 and ahead of the defending Super Bowl champion Saints atop the NFC South.
Offensive player of the year:
Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers
Despite a limited running game, wide receiver injuries, and the absence of holdout receiver Vincent Jackson, Rivers is on pace to throw for 5,234 yards, which would break Dan Marino's NFL record of 5,084.
Defensive player of the year:
Clay Matthews, LB, Packers.
By far the most dominaNT pass rusher in the NFL so far with 101/2 sacks. A major reason the Packers have survived defensive injuries to get to 6-3.
Special teams player of the year:
The former Jets star returner, coming off a career-threatening leg injury, leads the NFL with a 31.4-yard kick return average and has two TDs.
Best coaching job:
Raheem Morris, Buccaneers
Coming off a 3-13 season with a rebuilt roster, Morris has the Bucs at 5-3 and in contention in the competitive NFC South.
Worst coaching job: Wade Phillips,
Cowboys
Sure, the injury to Tony Romo was a major blow. But Phillips was in charge of the defense, which completely evaporated, along with the Cowboys' chances. Phillips is done after half a season.
Comeback player of the year:
Michael Vick, QB, Eagles.
After his unconscionable acts against dogs landed him in jail, Vick has returned to society as a better person. A second chance as a starting quarterback has the Eagles back in contention.
Defensive rookie of the year:
Ndamakung Suh, DT, Lions
Leads the Lions with 6 ½ sacks from a position that's more suited to stopping the run.
Most improved:
Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Giants
A former seventh-round pick, Bradshaw has wrested the starter's job from Brandon Jacobs and is third in the NFL with 765 rushing yards, to go with five TDs.
Least improved:
Chad Henne, QB, Dolphins
Hasn't taken that next step, and now finds himself on the bench behind Chad Pennington. Henne had just eight TDs and 10 INTs before taking a seat.
Best free agent:
Terrell Owens, WR, Bengals
Looked like he was done after a nondescript season with the Bills, but Owens has recaptured his old form with 770 receiving yards and seven TDs. The one downside: Chad Ochocinco, who lobbied for Owens to come to Cincy, has become an afterthought in the Bengals' offense.
Worst free agent:
Julius Peppers, DE, Bears
Peppers was signed to a six-year, $91.5-million contract to be a pass-rush force with the Bears. But all he has to show for it is two measly sacks and 20 tackles. Has been held sackless in six of eight games.
Offensive rookie of the year:
Sam Bradford, QB, Rams
The starter from Day 1, Bradford quickly has justified the Rams' decision to take him first overall. Has St. Louis at 4-4 with 11 TDs and eight INTs.
Best trade:
Jason Campbell, QB
The Raiders acquired Campbell from the Redskins on draft day, and he has finally provided some quarterback stability. Raiders now 5-4 and in contention the AFC West.
Worst trade:
Randy Moss, WR
The Vikings traded away a third-round pick for the mercurial wide receiver, but they cut him after just four games. He is now a Titan.
Good hands award:
Hakeem Nicks, WR, Giants
Has become Eli Manning's go-to guy and leads the NFC with nine TDs.
Unsung player:
Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs
Has quietly emerged as one of the NFL's top running backs with a team-high 719 yards.
