NFL Mid-Season Review

By Hamish Girvan

Its half way through the NFL season and off field issues have dominated more then the games itself. From a declining in stats running back knocking out his then fiance’ and now wife, to the top rated player in both Fantasy Football and in rushing statistics on child abuse charges, the 2014 season has certainly created some big headlines however lets look at the teams themselves and a reevaluation of pre season forecasts

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens – led by what would be termed a steady as she goes quarterback in Joe Flacco they have not missed Ray Rice in their offense – in mediocre form the division is wide open so up for grabs – chances of playoffs 50%

Pittsburgh Steelers – Offensively lame and thrashed by traditional conference whipping boys the Cleveland Browns the Steelers faithful are growing very restless – unless a run of epic proportions in the last half of the season playoffs only a dream – yes Offensive Coordinator, Todd Haley is still there which says it all

Cincinnati Bengals – the AFC runaway leaders have ground to a halt in the past two weeks – a rare tie and loss to the Colts have many questioning how good they are. A traditional playoff choke side odds on happening again high if they win the division

Cleveland Browns – Johnny Footballs games on field – 2- Pass attempts 2- Completions 0 – Divisional place mid-season – 4^th out of 4 – chances of playoffs 50 % – perhaps the AFC Divisions prize for most improved team with a 3-3 record versus (last season they won a total of 4 games)

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts – the best quarterback in the NFL plays for the Colts – Andrew Luck will take a team to the Superbowl and win it all – calling that now – whether it be the Colts or another team time will tell. Odds on for the division title

Houston Texans – they have the best defensive player in the NFL in JJ Watt – they have the worst offense – rebuilding under Bill O’Brien is the catch cry

Jacksonville Jaguars – No one is sure if they are improving or inept – first win for the season in week 7 suggests the latter however Quarterback Blake Bortles may be the home boy saviour – anther top 10 draft pick awaits in 2015

Tennessee Titans – as predicted Quarterback Jake Locker goes down injured and is replaced by his back up in week 4. Tank the season and draft a quarterback the best option

AFC West

Predictions stay the same and came to fruition except replace Chargers fashion accessory with so called new-fangled food combo of Spaghetti and Honey invented by preseason no name Running Back Brandon Oliver, and the Bronco’s defence has improved immeasurably

Most points scored this season – Denver Broncos,

Most Least points conceded this season – Denver Broncos

Team that will have most mention of playoff choke from last season – Kansas City Chiefs,

Most ridiculous fashion accessory – Chargers Quarterback Philip Rivers Bolo Tie

First team with a Quarterback controversy – Matt Schaub vs David Carr of the Oakland Raiders

AFC East

New England Patriots – Surprisingly inconsistent but still the team to beat in this erratic division. Highlight so far is Belechicks next press conference after the shellacking at the Chiefs – “we are focussing on Cincinnati” repeat 20 times to every question

Buffalo Bills – injury ravaged and quarterback controversies. Kyle Orton will not lead you to the playoffs. Memo to new owners – draft well in 2015

New York Jets – at this stage the best 1-6 team in the NFL – Rex Ryan’s farewell season with them means they will ruin the chances of other teams playoff hopes

Miami Dolphins – For some reason sporting franchises in Miami and success do not go together – the MLB Marlins in the same boat. Move the Fins to Los Angeles

NFC North

Minnesota Vikings – distracted by Adrian Peterson’s abuse case and Quarterback injuries a tough season for rookie head coach Mike Zimmer.

Detroit Lions – in with a good shot at the post season the Lions are looking good with Matt Stafford winning the close ones. Defensive Tackle Ndamukong Suh’s usual on field assaults are non-existent so far

Green Bay Packers – “RELAX” says Quarterback Aaron Rodgers – yes they are on track for division title

Biggest let down yet again – Chicago Bears quarterback “same old” Jay Cutler – as predicted – described this week as on an elite quarterbacks salary but not as a player by defensive legend Brian Urlacher

NFC East

Washington Redskins – if it’s not the name of the team in the headlines it’s the quarterback – week 8’s starter is called Colt – like really that does not stir up any further Cowboy and Indians controversy?

Least offensive scorers in the NFL this season – Eli Manning and the New York Giants – as predicted – still one of the worst

Most offensive team in the NFL – Chip Kelly’s Philadelphia Eagles – Kelly turning into one of the better coaches in the league

Dallas Cowboys – the talk of the town as they like to be – and for the right reasons – one loss coming into week 8 – Owner, GM and closet head coach Jerry Jones is smiling mid-season – and within his rights to be

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons – Hard Knocks Reality TV series curse – yes cursed

New Orleans Saints – the Rob Ryan defensive coordinator curse – when are NFL teams going to learn?

Carolina Panthers – still struggling under the weight of a no. 1 pick in Quarterback Cam Newton

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – picked as the surprise package on the NFC division – yes surprising how bad they are.

NFC West

Seattle Seahawks – struggling on and off the field recently trading one of their star receivers due to dressing room disruptions which seem to be filtering onto the field – two losses in a row heading into week 8

Arizona Cardinals – surprise team in the division and favourites to take it

St Louis Rams – luckless with Quarterbacks however Coach Jeff Fisher puts out a competitive team

San Francisco 49ers – season getting derailed by a coaching controversy – Jim Harbaugh unlikely to be there next season regardless of outcome

Teams in contention still to be playing on the first Sunday in February

AFC – New England, Denver Broncos, San Diego Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts

NFC – Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks

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