Joe's 2010 NFL Mid-season Grades

It's that time football fans! After nine weeks of the 2010 season, the picture has become slightly clearer, but in the current NFL, no one team has stood out as head and shoulders above the rest. Here are my grades for all 32 NFL teams, based on a few different criteria, not merely their win/loss record. Meeting, surpassing, or falling short of expectations, staying competitive and showing improvement over the course of the season is all taken into account, specific to that team. (So don't go comparing grades for one team to another, they're graded on their own.) Everyone loves getting graded, right? Here are my breakdowns, including some cheerleader shots to spice it up.

NFC East 

(6-2) New York Giants

After a 1-2 start the Giants have rattled off five straight wins thanks to a dominant pass rush and a glut of talent at the wide receiver position. Eli Manning's group of targets could be the best in football. Their schedule hasn't been overly difficult, but I can't blame them for winning the games they're supposed to win.
Grade: A-

(5-3) Philadelphia Eagles

Michael Vick has been playing lights out under Andy Reid, and his weapons (when healthy) are likely better than those of the Giants. DeSean Jackson is a home-run hitter on offense and the Eagle D is much better than initially thought. A little consistency from Reid on who his starter is should go a long way down the stretch.
Grade: B+

(4-4) Washington Redskins

Speaking of quarterback consistency, I have NO idea what Mike Shanahan is doing. His lack of faith in Donovan McNabb may have secured the QB's departure at the end of the season while wasting valiant performances by the defense. A stagnant offense keeps this team down.
Grade: C-

(1-7) Dallas Cowboys

Instead of looking towards hosting a Super Bowl, the Cowboys are in the market for a new head coach eight games into the season. Losing Tony Romo locked in their fate, but this team's lack of discipline and effort left them a long time ago. Time to flush the system... if Jerry Jones has it in him.
Grade: F

AFC East

(6-2) New York Jets

The defense isn't as good as last year's iteration, the offense hasn't improved as much as had been expected with the new additions, but the Jets are still at the top of the AFC East. Mark Sanchez has drastically cut back on the mistakes that plagued his rookie year, giving fans a reason to hope that he can carry them to a title.
Grade:B+

(6-2) New England Patriots

They traded away Randy Moss and lost Ty Warren and Kevin Faulk for the entire season, but Bill Belichick's Patriots are quietly trudging along, just as they used to do during their championship years. No longer is their offense supremely overpowering with a group of possession wide-outs and an inconsistent running game, but the Patriots just find ways to win. (Though their recent loss to Cleveland is a bit befuddling.) If the special teams can keep up their solid play and the defense keeps improving, the Patriots will be a force by season's end.
Grade: A-

(4-4) Miami Dolphins

For a team that had a helping of expectations at the start of the season, the Miami Dolphins have fallen quite short of challenging for a playoff spot. Their offense can't put up touchdowns and Chad Henne committed too many turnovers for them to survive, hence Tony Sparano turning to Chad Pennington to lead the offense.The defense has been formidable, but the Dolphins aren't capable of beating better teams right now.
Grade: C

I think this is a Dolphin cheerleader... but who really cares? She's cute.

(0-8) Buffalo Bills

The defense is terrible, but the offense is decent. Ryan Fitzpatrick is a serviceable quarterback. Chan Gailey needs to unleash C.J. Spiller in the second half of the year to get to more than one win this season, but I give the Bills credit for trying hard each week. They could have packed it in like some other teams *coughCowboyscough*, but they haven't.
Grade: D+

NFC North

(6-3) Green Bay Packers

Injuries have plagued the Packers so far, losing Ryan Grant and Jermichael Finley for the year. Despite their troubles and some miscues between Aaron Rodgers and his receivers, Green Bay has climbed back to the top of the NFC North, where we all thought they would be. If they can hold up health-wise and keep playing stellar defense, the Pack can still meet the hype.
Grade: A-

(5-3) Chicago Bears

Check back during the weekend for an in-depth analysis and mid-season grade for the Chicago Bears!

(3-5) Minnesota Vikings

Perhaps 3-5 isn't the end of the world, but it's certainly not where we thought the Vikings would be eight weeks in. Brett Favre has reverted back into his former self, throwing turnovers at will and milking injuries while watching Randy Moss come and go. If Brad Childress doesn't completely lose the locker room and keeps riding Adrian Peterson, the Vikings might be able to hold down the fort until Sidney Rice comes back. My real question is: where has the pressure defense gone? Jared Allen has been as quiet as ever on a defensive line that hasn't been able to get to the QB.
Grade: D+

Hello legs.

(2-6) Detroit Lions

They weren't going to the playoffs, but some thought the Lions would at least make some noise this season. That becomes problematic when Matthew Stafford can't stay on the field. If he's out for the year, these Lions can't get more than four total wins.
Grade: C-

AFC North

(6-2) Baltimore Ravens

The defense has found ways to hide their deficiencies in the secondary, but the Raven offense hasn't fully gelled yet. Getting Donte Stallworth on the field for the latter half should clear some room for Mason, Houshmandzadeh and Boldin. They could be the best team in football and I don't think they've played their best game yet.
Grade: B+

(6-2) Pittsburgh Steelers

They went 3-1 without Ben Roethlisberger thanks to a stellar defense and went 3-1 with him as he shook off the rust from not playing for a month. Injuries along the offensive line are a concern to be sure, but Mike Tomlin's squad looks playoff-bound.
Grade: A

(3-5) Cleveland Browns

Color me impressed with Eric Mangini's Browns. They're vastly under-talented but have won two straight, beating the defending champ Saints and then the Patriots. Colt McCoy looks every bit the starter that Jake Delhomme didn't and running back Peyton Hillis could not have been more of prize for shipping out Brady Quinn. They may have hit their ceiling for the season, but the future is a bit brighter in Cleveland.
Grade: B-

(2-6) Cincinnati Bengals

Disappointment is the only word I can use to describe a Bengals team that so many had slotted in for the Super Bowl. The only real positive on offense has been Terrell Owens, who has already become Carson Palmer's go-to-guy, passing by Ochochinco, who looks petulant as of late. Defensively they haven't played up to last year's expectations, but that side of the ball isn't the problem. That title goes to Carson Palmer, who just isn't the same player.
Grade: D-

Rowr.

NFC South

(6-2) Atlanta Falcons

Consistent. That accurately describes the Atlanta Falcons this season. They may not be the best at anything, but they're consistently good in all phases of the game and in a weak NFC, that could be all they need to make a Super Bowl run.
Grade: A-

(6-3) New Orleans Saints

Starting off so poorly, the Saints and Drew Brees didn't do anything to dissuade the mongerers of the Super Bowl hangover or Madden Curse myths. Without Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas, they've managed to stay in the NFC South hunt with a defense that has re-discovered its knack for taking the ball away. Thank Darren Sharper for that.
Grade: B

(5-3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

How could I grade these Bucs any lower than an A, when they've already surpassed the four wins for which I had them pegged? Their lack of experience could be a detriment as the pressure mounts, but these Buccaneers will stay competitive all season.
Grade: A

(1-7) Carolina Panthers

Ew. They don't have one competent quarterback on their roster currently and they haven't been able to slow down the team bus, much less opposing offenses. John Fox will be out at the end of the year, no question. This team has little talent and even less cohesiveness.
Grade: F

AFC South

(5-3) Tennessee Titans

Even without always dynamic performances from Chris Johnson, the Titans are leading the AFC South thanks to a fantastic defensive line and surprising passing output. Vince Young will get Randy Moss for the last eight games of the year, filling a hole left by the injured Kenny Britt until he returns. With Moss in the fold, teams won't be able to lock in on Johnson, giving the Titans an element they've been sorely missing.
Grade: B+

(5-3) Indianapolis Colts

We all know how much the Colts would absolutely suck without Peyton Manning. There's no need to say it anymore. Unfortunately, they're not all that intimidating now anyways. Manning's always Manning, but missing Dallas Clark and whatever two wide receivers are out for a particular game along with a defense is still soft and riddled with injuries is putting even more pressure on the QB. They're not the nigh-unbeatable Colts we're used to. They're going to have to claw their way into the playoffs, which actually may be better for them than anyone realizes. A battle-tested Colts team is a scary thought.
Grade: B-

(4-4) Houston Texans

Oh hey, the Texans are average despite a load of pundits taking them to win the AFC South. What a surprise. To be serious, I keep saying the Texans are a lesser version of the Colts with a better running game. Their secondary is atrocious and Matt Schaub has struggled in their biggest games. They won't make it to the postseason.
Grade: C+

Her name is Janna.

(4-4) Jacksonville Jaguars

A deceiving record at 4-4, the Jaguars are still as Jekyll and Hyde as ever. David Garrard will have games where he goes 17 of 21 with four touchdowns but pulls a 13 for 30 with one interception out of his bag the next time out. The running game is always solid, but it's not good enough to make up for a weak passing attack and a porous defense that can't pressure your grandmother.
Grade: C-

NFC West

(4-4) St. Louis Rams

Easily the NFL's best story, the Rams have doubled their win total from 2009 thanks to Sam Bradford's remarkable progress. Even without a number one caliber receiver (or even a number two for that matter), Bradford has shown savvy and poise. Stephen Jackson is finally getting some breathing room. Credit Steve Spagnuolo with getting the most out of his players. I don't think you could have asked for anything better from this team. Can the Rams win the division? In a wide open west, anything is possible.
Grade: A+

(4-4) Seattle Seahawks

So the Seahawks stink on the road and usually come out on top in front of their home crowd. This team is young, but Pete Carroll's fantastic draft and various roster moves have filled a few key positions and given them some much-needed depth. They're middle of the road, but their arrow is tilting upward.
Grade: B-

(3-5) Arizona Cardinals

This team is much worse than their 3-5 record would indicate. Their defense is so-so and their quarterback situation is a hot mess. How they assumed Derek Anderson would be any better is beyond me. He's got a decent deep ball but is about as accurate as a five year-old with a shotgun.
Grade: D

(2-6) San Francisco 49ers

All of the excuses in the world couldn't save these 49ers from being an embarrassment, but they don't have many to fall back on. They just haven't played well. Alex Smith is a bust. Frank Gore's production has been stifled. Vernon Davis is a freak of a tight end, but he can't be everywhere at once. The defense is deflated and Singletary's motivational skills are failing him. This team needs to get blown up in the off-season.
Grade: D-

AFC West

(5-3) Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City has gone from an irrelevant side-note to a contender in the AFC West. Romeo Crennel's defense has stymied some of the best offenses in the NFL, earning victories in spite of a less-than-explosive offense. Matt Cassel needs to step up in a big way if they're going to make waves in the post-season... if they can get there.
Grade: B+

(5-4) Oakland Raiders

So... the Raiders are good again? How'd that happen? I'll tell you how: a defensive that has racked up the NFL's second-highest sack total, the league's best running game and a better-than average deep passing attack. Tom Cable needs to stick with Jason Campbell at QB for the duration because his talents mesh better with the pieces in place at wide receiver. Congratulations on the return to semi-legitimacy Al Davis.
Grade: B

(4-5) San Diego Chargers

Another dreadful start from the Chargers has inevitably given way to a small two-game win streak which they'll look to use to springboard back into playoff contention. Too many injuries and hold-outs should have slowed down the offense, but Philip Rivers is as good as any QB in the league right now. However, the defense is mediocre at best and the special teams unit is legendarily horrific. At the end of the day, the result won't be any different in San Diego. If they get to the playoffs, they'll get bounced early. Rinse, repeat.
Grade: C-

(2-6) Denver Broncos

So let's discuss the talent Josh McDaniels has shipped off since he arrived in Denver. Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall, Alphonso Smith, Tony Scheffler and Peyton Hillis. Eventually the roster gutting was going to take its toll on the Broncos and it looks like they're seeing it now. Orton's serviceable at quarterback, but he can't win without help. The defense is atrocious, giving up points in bunches and getting pounded on the ground. How much slack has McDaniels earned and how long can he keep Tim Tebow on the sidelines? The plot thickens in Colorado...

And that's it! All 32 NFL teams. Be back tomorrow for an early Opening Drive of Week 10!