NFL Midpoint

  We are half through the NFL season and there are so many story lines throught the first  9, 10, or 11 games (12 weeks) of the season.  The Browns are winless, Tom Brady being considered for MVP(suspended first 4 games), 2 ties in one season, and rookies galore. Every year there are questions to be answered, stories being developed, and a lot of “What If’s.” The question is where do we start.

    What about Cleveland? For the most part, this year seems to be the year of Cleveland, The Cavs won the NBA Title, the Indians were on the verge of winning the World Series, and then there’s the Browns. The Browns. . . WOW. Honestly, sometimes I don’t know what to say when it comes to them. I am always one to route for the struggling team to break through, including the Browns. When they hired a new coach and new front office, sandwiches by the signing of a healthy RG3 and 2^nd pick of the draft, my first thought was “Ok let’s see how they draft.” Draft night comes and they trade out of the 2^nd pick for multiple picks and they attempt to work their magic. Now I know it takes some time to develop, but for a team that “won the draft” to not even have 1 win through 11 games is pathetic. If the Browns were smart next year, they will not trade the 1^st overall pick of the draft. I certainly thought Hue Jackson would be able to get through to some of these young players. It feels like the Browns have been through has much personnel as they have quarterbacks.

   Speaking of quarterbacks, Tom Brady is playing at a MVP caliber level. The question is does he deserve to win it after being suspended after the first 4 games? Most people would say no.  I believe that it is in “It depends” category. The question you may be thinking “What does it depend on?” Well it depends on quite a few things. The first “it depends” is if he can keep up this level of play for the remainder of the season. If he plays like his 2007 form then hands down he deserves it. The second “it depends” is on who else is performing well and if they keep it up. Oakland has Derrick Carr, Cowboys Ezekiel Elliott, Falcons Matt Ryan and Cincinnati’s AJ Green. Everyone is playing at such high levels; voters will consider who is the most valuable to their team. 

  When it comes to value to a team, whoever thought that Dak Presscott was every going to play at such a high level. He took over for perennial MVP candidate Tony Romo. Between Presscott and Elliott, it finally shows that Jerry Jones finally has some patience. Granted the only reason the Presscott is playing is because of Tony Romo’s injury. If want my honest opinion, I believe that the most valuable player(s) for the Cowboys is the offensive line. Without them, Elliott and Preskcott would not be playing at such a high level. Derrick Carr has finally blossomed. He is playing at such a high level, not only are the Raiders playing .500 ball, but they are tied for the division lead! He went from relative unknown to MVP caliber quarterback. Carr is reaching his receivers and has the help of his running game. Matt Ryan has the Falcons on top again. He always has played at such a nice level, but he maybe going as one of the more underrated players on the team because of Julio Jones.

    The NFL, like most of the major leagues, is fairly in unpredictable in most scenarios. Could anyone have predicted the Browns to be this bad? Ok yes most people could have said they would be horrid. Can anyone tell you that the Raiders are tied for Division lead with the Chiefs? What about the way Preskcott is playing for the Cowboys? The Dolphins and Titans playing .500 ball? The most unpredictable thing to happen so far is Tony Romo’s concession speech to Dak Prescott. Many people, including myself, are completely shocked. NFL ratings have been a record low this season, but its bound to turn around. Let’s see what happens. Enjoy the stretch run everyone!