First half NFL awards
By Brian Betz
At the NFL season's midpoint, it seems fitting I try to make sense of the parity that is clouding the league.
At 8-0, the Kansas City Chiefs are the best team. But in a league that hasn't seen a dynasty since the Cowboys of the 1990s, it's hard to think they'll cake-walk to the Super Bowl. So I'll bypass that designation for the more important awards that should be given halfway through the year.
Biggest pretender: Dallas Cowboys. I might say Minnesota if they didn't have a two-game lead in the division plus dates with San Diego, Detroit and Oakland left on their schedule. But the Cowboys get my vote here. The only quality win they have has been against 5-3 Philadelphia, who's gaining steam.
Biggest contender: Indianapolis Colts. They may be the second-best team in football. Their defense has finally found a staple behind defensive end Dwight Freeney and the coaching of Tony Dungy and they've won the past three games without running back Edgerrin James.
Most unfortunate team: Atlanta Falcons. Super Bowl aspirations to a 1-7 start without potential MVP quarterback Michael Vick. Not only have fans suffered from not being able to see the most exciting player in the league, but Dan Reeves may lose his job because of it.
Most fortunate team: Seattle Seahawks. With the league's second weakest schedule, they've only beaten the 3-5 Arizona Cardinals convincingly. There's no way they'll win the division if they hope to stave off future opponents Minnesota, St. Louis, San Francisco and Baltimore in the last two minutes like they've done in their last three wins.
Most over-talked about team: Tampa Bay Buccanneers. Here's been their season since week one: win, loss, win, loss, win, loss, win, loss. And yet, every week I hear the media say how they're still the team to knock off? Sure they're the defending champs, but they've got much proving to do in a mediocre NFC South.
Most under-talked about team: Cincinnati Bengals. Hey, they won't have next year's first-overall pick, which is an improvement. Look out for Chad Johnson and Peter Warrick, especially once Carson Palmer takes the helm. Also, they've got a first-round pick if they'd just part with the cancerous Corey Dillon.
Inside the salary-cap dominated league I love, I almost miss the dynasty. Wait, no I don't.
Contact Brian Betz at (408) 554-4852 or at bbetz@scu.edu.