SB Nation's NFL Mid-Season Studs and Duds

by Dave Choate on Nov 7, 2008 4:02 PM EST in Editorial

It's that time of year again, when we SB Nation writers turn our fanciful stories into mid-season awards. Or something like that. See what our brilliant minds came up with below, friends.

Clinton Portis is playing like an MVP right now.

The Studs

NFL Mid-Season MVP: Clinton Portis, Redskins

Comment from David the Falconer at The Falcoholic:

The homer in me wants to say Michael Turner, but he's done the majority of his damage against the league's weakest defenses. Portis has put the Redskins on his back and carried them 100 yards or more down the field most games, and for that he deserves my vote.

Best Player on Offense: Clinton Portis, Redskins

Comment from Skins Patrol at Hogs Haven:

He also has 150 yards receiving and has had his role increase with the injury to Ladell Betts Not everyone knows this, but Portis is the best pass protecting RB blocker in the league and is a big reason why Jason Campbell is playing well this season.

Best Players on Defense: Joey Porter, Dolphins

Comment from BigBlueShoe at Stampede Blue:

I thought this guy was DEAD. How the hell does he have 11.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles? I mean Jeezus, it is only Week Nine and he has 11.5 friggin' sacks! The hell are they feeding them down there in Miami?

Best Rookie: Chris Johnson, Titans

Comment from cgolden at Revenge of the Birds:

No explanation needed. Just watch this kid play and it's obvious why he's truly special. Were we really questioning his status as a first round pick six months ago?

Best Coach: Jim Zorn, Redskins

Comment from WCG at Windy City Gridiron:

I hate doing this, but in that division the Redskins should have easily been the worst team.

Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio has seen better days.

The Duds

Mid-Season Worst Player: JaMarcus Russell, Raiders

Comment from Dave the Falconer at The Falcoholic:

Consider that this guy was the first overall pick in the draft. Then consider that he can't throw a pass without collapsing into a heap.

Mid-Season Worst Rookie: Vernon Gholston, Jets

Comment from cgolden at Revenge of the Birds:

He's learning a new position so this probably isn't fair but seven tackles in eight games for a top six pick is simply unacceptable. You'd think he could at least be a situational pass rusher.

Mid-Season Worst Coach: Jack Del Rio, Jaguars

Comment from Chris at Big Cat Country:

Can I vote for Del Rio and the Jaguars for every possible spot?

Thanks to BigBlueShoe of Stampede Blue for putting this all together. What are your picks?

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Comments

Allow me to be the first

The lack of Matt Ryan as “Best Rookie” at this point is, of course, complete and utter horseshit.

We’ve heard that a million monkeys at a million keyboards could produce the complete works of Shakespeare; now, thanks to the Internet, we know that is not true.

by iRonin on Nov 7, 2008 4:16 PM EST reply actions

What is this bullshit “No explanation needed.” Really? I think there’s a pretty big explanation needed. You picked a guy who went to a playoff team with an identity known for running the football, and who has rushed for over 100 yards in a game only TWICE this year.

Yeah, I think that requires an explanation when he’s duking it out with a rookie QUARTERBACK on a team that went 4-12 the previous season, a deep hole created by felony conviction of his predecessor, that has led game-winning drives, and has monumental highlights, stats, and of course, moxy.

Criminal. Absolutely criminal.

We’ve heard that a million monkeys at a million keyboards could produce the complete works of Shakespeare; now, thanks to the Internet, we know that is not true.

by iRonin on Nov 7, 2008 4:20 PM EST up reply actions

Yea, that is kind of bullshit right there. Chris Johnson also doesn’t play quarterback. Traditionally there have been several RBs that have made huge impacts in their rookie years, and a lot with bigger numbers than Chris Johnson, but how many rookie QBs have had the kind of start that Ryan has on a team that was so utterly useless last year? That is garbage. More examples of how the mainstream hates the Falcons. We get no love from anyone.

Along those lines I would also submit Mike Smith for coach of the year so far. We had a coach walk out midseason last year, had our franchise QB put in jail, and are rolling with young, unproven players at every major offensive position and we have a better record than the national media’s favorite blow job target the Cowboys.

And even if you don’t give it to Smith, I would also submit Jeff Fisher ahead of Zorn. The Redskins have lost 3 games in a tough division. The Titans have lost no games in a division with the Colts and the Jaguars, two teams everyone thought were going to be good. Zorn has done a good job no doubt but I’m not so sure he is the most deserving.

My Music Blog: DBF

by BVaz on Nov 7, 2008 4:45 PM EST up reply actions