Blaq's Midway Point Hero & Heel List...

he time has come where each team has at least played 8 games, so therefore they're halfway through their season. While nothing is set in stone until the season is over, at the halfway point we can get a moderate understanding of who has been playing with their motor reving for each team, and who has disappointed, not only the fans, but the franchise in some cases as well. I'm sure, as with all my articles there will be some controversy, however, I hope that it's constructive rather than an attack of character.

Arizona Cardinals
Hero(es): Mike Gandy, Reggie Wells, & Al Johnson/Lyle Sendlein
The Left Side of the Arizona Cardinals’ Offensive Line is the reason that they’ve put together their season so far. Even with the carousel of Quarterbacks in Arizona pre and post-injury, this side of the O-Line hasn’t allowed a single sack amongst them. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, they’re also the strong side that Edgerrin James has reclaimed his name running behind. While Edge only manages 3.67 Yards Per Carry to the right side, he manages 4.2 Yards Per Carry behind the left, as well as has rushed for three of his four touchdowns to the left as well. This group has played so well collectively it made it hard to choose a single individual or two for the hero nomination.

Heel(s):Clancy Pendergast
Simply put, the Defensive Coordinator is here because he has underutilized Adrian Wilson this season. Yes, Wilson’s coverage game in zone is improved this season (though it wasn’t very hard to be even marginally better), however, Adrian Wilson is the most efficient blitzer in the NFL, and yet Pendergast suddenly feels the need to keep Wilson out in more coverage. I understand Bertrand Berry is finally healthy again, so theoretically Wilson doesn’t need to compensate for the oft-injured Berry, however, the injuries have clearly taken a toll as Berry isn’t forcing pressure. The Cardinals have some excellent personnel on their Defense, and a power run game this year, and yet they’ve given up 16 touchdowns from scrimmage on the season.

Atlanta Falcons
Hero(es): Roddy White & John Abraham
Blaq say what? Mr. Drops himself being a Falcon’s hero? That’s right. In a season where just about everyone on the Falcons has been disappointing, Roddy White has been quietly having his best season. White is on pace for 72 Receptions and over 1,000 yards with a revolving carousel of QuarterBacks. What’s most impressive is that he’s bringing in 72% of passes intended for him, and has a mere 2 drops. On the defensive side of the ball John Abraham has been playing outside of his mind managing to produce 6 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and PDs. What makes it even more impressive? Only one of those PDs were at the line. The rest were in actual coverage. He is playing out of his mind.

Heel(s): Joe Horn & Justin Blaylock
You might recall that on message boards I was raving about the signing of Joe Horn for the Falcons. Well, boy was I wrong. He’s done nothing but hurt their anemic offense. Horn has brought in a mere 17 receptions for less than 200 yards. However, it’s not as if it’s a result of not being thrown at. He’s been targeted only 10 less times than leading WR Roddy White . Horn just isn’t making plays on balls, nor making anything happen after the catch. Another signing that I was raving about was that of Justin Blaylock. I thought he’d emerge as a top Guard off the bat. Wrong. Blaylock hasn’t been trusted to be the lead block on many rush plays (only a mere 6% of them) . But his pass blocking, currently having gave up 6.5) is leaving him on pace to break Ruben Brown’s mark for most sacks allowed by a Guard in a season. Boy was I wrong about these Birds.

Baltimore Ravens
Hero(es): Ray Lewis & Derrick Mason
On a Ravens team that is still in playoff contention for reasons beyond my comprehension, there are but two players that have stepped up and given it there all this season, despite the fact that many thought they were over the hill. The first of these two players is Ray Lewis. In the first defensive snap of the season Lewis tore his triceps, yet returned onto the field and still continue to play. But he’s playing at a high level still. Lewis has made plays all over the field, being a literal sideline to sideline guy, as well as playing coverage amongst the best in the league this season. While I disagree with his criticisms of the team, he’s justified in that he is indeed showing up weekly. Meanwhile another player who may be a little long in the tooth, yet still is producing is Derrick Mason. While Mark Clayton looked to evolve into a premier Wideout and the starter for the Ravens, Mason is playing great. While Mason’s Yards Per Reception aren’t the most desirable, his reception totals and yardage are pretty good, and he’s one of the few non-Linemen on this team that is showing up very week, despite not having consistent Quarterback play.

Heel(s): Steve McNair, Mark Clayton & Chris McAlister
Basically all three of these individuals are on this list because they’re not only failing to live up to expectations; they’re just flat out not playing good. Steve McNair has become the NFL’s check-down king, throwing for a measly 5 yards per attempt, and taking minimal shots downfield. He hasn’t displayed his ability to run, nor his trademark toughness. Essentially, he hasn’t been Steve McNair, and for this reason he’s holding the Ravens back. Meanwhile, Mark Clayton, as stated earlier, emerged last season, and was supposed to join the NFL’s elite this season. Instead, his counterpart that he’ll be compared to for years, Braylon Edwards, took that step, while Mark Clayton regressed largely. While he’s had some lower leg injuries there is no excuse for, 8 Games into the season, having worse reception stats than Willis McGahee. And finally, Chris McAlister is continuously billed as a shutdown Corner. However, for a few years he was no where near shutdown, but reemerged in 2006 to be the league’s second best CornerBack. Not so this year. In fact, “C-Mac” as he is known as hasn’t been horrible, however, he’s been outplayed by quite a few Corners this season, including AFC North counterparts.

Buffalo Bills
Hero(es): Brad Butler & Angelo Crowell
Yet another lineman makes this list, because as you probably know, linemen are pretty underappreciated. In fact, Marshawn Lynch has run for two of his touchdowns to Butler’s side, and is averaging well over 5 Yards Per carry to the right. Additionally, Butler also has provided adequate pass blocking, but he’s displayed a heads up understanding with only one penalty, which is very important for this young team. However, the Buffalo Bill that is playing out of his body so far this year is former unknown Angelo Crowell. Not only does Crowell have 72 tackles, he also has a sack, a stuff, and a forced fumble, all of which have come all over the field. But what’s most impressive about Crowell’s play this year? His coverage. He’s been lights out running with Tight Ends and has made coverage plays within the box, as well as downfield. He is clearly leading this young defense by example.

Heel(s): J.P. Losman & Aaron Schobel
J.P. Losman ended the 2006 season filled with promise. He and Lee Evans looked to be a duo that would connect for years. Well Losman must’ve believed that as well, because this year Losman has keyed in on Evans and forced balls to him. The last two weeks it has seen favorable results, however, before that, it didn’t work very well and aided in Losman’s losing of his job. Losman looks to be rebounding recently, but at this moment, he’s hurt his team. Another Bill that has been a heel on this team is Aaron Schobel. After being top 5 in sack numbers since entering the NFL, Aaron Schobel has seen a noticeable decline in his production. Schobel has produced the pressure, but rarely closes the deal. His two and a half sacks come against average pass blocking tackles such as Marvel Smith and D’Brickashaw Ferguson. But biggest of all is that Schobel hasn’t been productive in either the run Defense, despite being the most tenured guy on the defensive roster.

Carolina Panthers
Hero(es): Jon Beason & Steve Smith
Jon Beason is the best Defensive Rookie that you haven’t heard of. While, unfortunately, P-Willie will run away with the DPOTY award, Jon Beason should receive some votes, because he is on the same teir. Not only is Beason a sound trackler, but he is playing coverage like some of the league’s best veteran LineBackers even ACTUALLY playing 30 yards down field. He also plays sideline to sideline and can stuff the run. Steve Smith is on this list merely because, while he’s not playing at an elite level in all aspects, he’s doing it with a common theme…. a revolving carousel of Quarterbacks, and while his metrics aren’t great, he has still produced the yardage and touchdowns. A small flicker on a dim team.

Heel(s): Julius Peppers & Kris Jenkins
When you think Carolina Panthers you think Smith and D-Line. Unfortunately the two best players on the D-Line, Peppers and Jenkins, aren’t playing up to their potential. Peppers is the league’s best pure Defensive End, and yet he’s produced a mere 1.5 sacks,2 forced fumbles, 1 blocked kick, and 2 fumble recoveries. He has not been an excellent coverage DE like in the past and has been reduced to a one-dimensional pass rusher that isn’t producing. However, Peppers can’t do it himself. While he should be receiving help from Kris Jenkins, he isn’t. In fact, Jenkins is playing like a mere shell of his former self. Jenkins isn’t getting push up the middle which is a reason this D has given up 9 TDs on the ground and are 20th in rush D.

Chicago Bears
Hero(es): Olin Kreutz & Devin Hester
On a Bears team that may have a few players that are considered the best at their position, but aren’t, two of them have stepped up and kept the Bears in their games. Olin Kreutz has consistently been considered the leagues best Center, despite never actually being as much… except he may be this year. He’s on pace for his best years pass blocking with 0 sacks allowed. Most impressive about that though, is that every other member of that line has already allowed more sacks than they did last season. Meanwhile, Devin Hester has already proven that last yea was no fluke. His three returns have all been electric and come at important moments within their respective games. However, he’s also proven that his move to Wide Receiver wasn’t just to be pretty, but can actually be effective as well, whether it be with the ball in his hand or as a decoy.

Heel(s): John Tait, Ruben Brown, Roberto Garza & Fred Miller
These guys are an embarrassment. In case you don’t know they’re the two starting Guards and Tackles. While Rex Grossman and Brian Griese have been getting all of the blame, the fact is that they’ve gotten no protection from their line. As mentioned above, only 8 games into the season each one of these guys have allowed as many, or more sacks than they allowed throughout 16 games last year. However, what makes them ultra disappointing is the fact that the Bears pride themselves on being a smashmouth football team on the offensive line, and yet these guys have not been helping this power run game. Cedric Benson is averaging 3.1 Yards Per Carry behind these big guys. Unfortunately, the O-Line is a double edged sword, and unfortunately for the rest of the Bears offense, these guys are not getting blamed for their inadequacies.

Cincinnati Bengals
Hero(es): TJ Houshmandzadeh, & Chad Johnson
These guys are the heroes of the Bengals team for two reasons. The first is their production, which will place both of them in the Pro Bowl as AFC representatives. They field a combined 1,400+ yards receiving as well as 13 Touchdowns between the two also. While nobody else on the Bengals offense that was proclaimed to be almost unstoppable coming into the season has done their job, both Johnson and Housh have shown up. Johnson is having his best season in terms of pass catching efficiency and not dropping balls, while Housh is one of the league leaders in terms of scoring, and when you examine efficiency numbers, then TJ Houshmandzadeh may be the league’s 2nd best overall Wide Receiver at this point. However, what really helps them make this hero roster is that they’re not running their mouths when losing this year, rather acting like grown men, finally.

Heel(s): Carson Palmer & Chris Henry
Carson Palmer came into the season as the consensus pick for the league’s fourth best Quarterback, as well as the third best in some fan’s eyes. Well, Carson Palmer isn’t playing like it. Palmer is a mere 2/11 downfield, and it’s not the Receivesr’ fault. Additionally, Palmer has thrown 10 interceptions in eight games compared to throwing 13 and 12 in his previous two complete seasons. In short, Palmer has been forcing the ball to Johnson, without favorable results. However, all the blame can’t be placed on Palmer because he’s missing an integral cog in the offense, Chris Henry. Chris Henry’s lack of common sense is why he’s here, because he’s hurt this team big time. Henry is leaving Palmer without a great deep threat and capable slot receiver. Because of this Palmer’s been handicapped, however, Palmer isn’t a product of a system, so therefore, he should be playing a lot better than this.

Cleveland Browns
Hero(es): Derrick Anderson, Joe Thomas, Eric Steinbach , Kellen Winslow & Braylon Edwards
The Browns are just such a feel good story that there are so many heroes on this team. Unfortunately I’m only affording so much space for each team. Joe Thomas is on this list because he’s living up to the hype. He’s on pace to give up only 4.5 sacks as a rookie Left Tackle. Eric Steinbach is run blocking out of his min, as Lewis is running for 6 YPC behind him and 4 of his 6 touchdowns. Kellen Winslow is still playing at last years level, however, the difference is that he’s a deep field threat bringing in an average of 17 yards per reception. Braylon Edwards is also bringing in nice numbers for his Quarterback and these two receiving options should both be seeing Honolulu this year. Another individual that deserves Pro Bowl consideration is Derek Anderson who is the spark for all of these players. His leadership and eye for the field has surpassed what everyone expected, especially after Week 1. He is 4th in the NFL in touchdown passes halfway through the year and is a possible MVP candidate.

Heel(s): Hank Fraley & Kamerion Wimbley
Meanwhile, not every Brown is playing perfectly. Kamerion Wimbley isn’t playing badly, however, he is not playing up to the promise that he showed last season. In fact, he hasn’t been a force from sideline to sideline, which most 3-4 OLBs aren’t. However, he was last year, so he’s expected to at least mimic it. Additionally, he’s been almost non-existent in the pass defense aside from rushing the QB. Meanwhile, Hank Fraley has been the clear weak point on the offensive line. He’s not generating push for the Browns’ power run game, but he’s not even adequate in pass blocking though either. He’s allowed 2.5 sacks this season, which is what some centers give up a whole season, but to his credit, his pass blocking has been much better than last season.

Dallas Cowboys
Hero(es): Leonard Davis & Jason Witten
Lets face it. Leonard Davis should never have been playing Tackle lately. However, he’s reviving his career as a Guard in Dallas. In fact, you’ll hear hundreds of people talking about how impressive Marion Barber runs and breaks tackles. Well that is because he usually has Davis as a lead blocker, meaning Barber III, who is an excellent tackle breaker, is freed up to take on a single defender, and just runs through them. Both Barber and Jones run for over 4.5 yards per carry and 2 of their touchdowns behind Davis. But Davis’ pass blocking has been superb(with a little help from Romo’s mobility) allowing 0 sacks from the Guard position. Another Cowboy that is tearing it up is Jason Witten. Jason Witten has been an elite Tight End for years, however, he’s putting together an amazing All-Pro caliber season. Not only his he an large part in Julius Jones’ rushing style, but Witten is a key pass catcher as well. More impressive than his catch and run without a helmet on Sunday? He’s on pace for 90 receptions, 1,234 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns… all of which would be career highs.

Heel(s): Roy Williams, Terrence Newman & Ken Hamlin
These three members of the Cowboys secondary are their only current weakness. Newman is on this list because of his inability to rehab from his foot injury. As a result of this the Cowboys have been forced to start Jacque Reeves. However, Roy Williams’ coverage skills are not at the level that they were at last season. While Williams was elite in all pass defense metrics last season, he’s merely decent to good this season. His coverage within the box against tight ends has been lights out barring two play-action gaffs. However, when asked to play deep zone coverage this year, Williams hasn’t prevented the big play. However, not as bad as other Safety counterpart, Ken Hamlin. With Williams being average this year in the overall coverage aspect, Cowboys fans would hop e that Hamlin’s play has masked the mediocrity. Unfortunately for that secondary, Hamlin has been nearly as bad as 2nd-year man Pat Watkins was last season. With the injuries in the secondary and the inconsistent Safety play, it’s clear to pick the reasons that this defense has allowed 19 throws over 20 yards and 4 over 40.

Denver Broncos
Hero(es): Jason Elam & Brandon Marshall
Is there any doubt of who the best Bronco has been this season? Unfortunately, when your best player is your kicker that many thought might be over the hill coming into the season, it’s all to indicative of your season. Without three last minute or overtime field goals that won the game, the Broncos would be staring at 0-8. In fact, let’s not forget his kick that sent the Broncos into OT only for the D to fail them. But Elam isn’t the only Bronco that is living up to the expectations that the entire team had. Second year Wide Receiver Brandon Marshall is living up to the much disserving praise he received over the off-season with over 600 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns. However, Marshall has been excellent after the catch, again, bringing in 37% of his yardage after catching passes, and is a tough one to break down. In a WR corp that was heralded over the off-season, Marshall has stepped up with Walker going down and Stokley not living up to his past resume in Indy, and that’s why he is a hero.

Heel(s): Champ Bailey & Sam Adams
In case you haven’t noticed, while the offense hasn’t been horrible, it’s not the main reason the Broncos are below .500 when they should probably be winning this division. The defense, in both the front seven and the secondary has not played up to their talent level. And when you speak of talent, one defensive player immediately comes to mind…. Champ Bailey. Yes, Bailey is playing with a quadriceps injury, however, it’s not the first time in his career that he’s played with leg injuries, and those times he performed well. Plain and simple, Bailey’s been targeted almost as much in 8 games as he was through whole seasons so far. While he’s been playing well against the short ball, Bailey’s been giving up the deep ball. Bailey’s one interception has come on an overthrown pass, and he has one pass defended where he made a legitimate athletic play on the ball. That is not the play of the league’s best Corner. Meanwhile Sam Adams was brought in to sure up their run Defense wi
th the loss of Al Wilson. Needless to say Sam Adams isn’t taking up space on the line, and was a useless signing.

Detroit Lions
Hero(es): Rod Marinelli
Everyone laughed when Jon Kitna claimed that the Lions could win 10 games this season. Well halfway into the season they’re ahead of schedule and it’s because of Rod Marinelli. Coming into the season we all knew that the Lions had the personnel to throw the ball throughout a game with that WR corp and that offensive coordinator Mike Martz would utilize them a lot. However, Mike Martz’s gameplan lead the Lions to a 3-2 record, with both losses coming as a result of their inability to force their will to pass on opposing defenses. Well, after the embarrassing loss to the Redskins and following the bye week, Rod Marinelli has shown that he is the coach of this team, not Martz and has allowed Kevin Jones to run the ball since then, balancing the offense, and causing teams to compensate for a running game, helping those Wide Receivers. Prior to the bye week the Lions were running the ball less than 15 times a game. Since then? 22 times a game between Kevin Jones and TJ Duckett.

Heel(s): Jeff Backus & George Foster
Let’s not lie. The Lions do owe a few of their wins on their passing attack. Immense and unrivaled depth at the Wide Receiver position, a gutsy Quarterback and a line that features one of the league’s best pass blockers in Dominic Raiola. Unfortunately, none of these guys play Tackle for the Lions, because the passing attack has also been responsible for the two losses. Backus and Foster are a huge part of the passing attack and the only members of it not playing up to par. In fact, metrically, they’re the worst pass blocking duo in the NFL yielding a combined 16.75 sacks, which is more sacks than 19 other offensive lines have given up this season.

Green Bay Packers
Hero(es): Nick Barnett & Brett Favre
Despite the fact that he is getting no press (at least in the last two or three weeks), Nick Barnett is still the league’s Defensive Player of the Year. Why do you ask? Well, it’s because Nick Barnet is the only LineBacker in the NFL that is single-handedly making a game winning impact in both the run and the pass. While other LineBackers get hype from individuals, while actually doing nothing, Barnett is actually producing. Barnett has 3 Stuffs, 1.5 Sacks, 2 Interceptions, 3 PDs, and a whopping 69 tackles. Unlike the majority of LineBackers, Barnett is actually making plays in coverage, whether it be man or zone. All 3 of his media recordable plays against the pass came from undercutting well thrown balls or from hitting the ball lose. Meanwhile Brett Favre is the Packers offense. In a time where Clifton and Tauscher are having extremely down years, Favre is having one of his better years in recent memory, with no running game to speak of. Is there any doubt who this team’s heroes are?

Heel(s): AJ Hawk & Mark Tauscher
Let me just say that 9 weeks ago before the season even started I knew that AJ Hawk would be on this list. Why? Well, because AJ Hawk is not a dominant LineBacker that takes over games. When you couple this with the fact that he’s playing next to a top 10 Middle LineBacker and it figures that he’s not going to live up to his name as long as he and Barnett play in the same corps. Both of Hawk’s passes defended are a result of overthrown passes, and he’s made no impact against the run. Plain and simple, Hawk isn’t making an impact in either the passing game or the run game, despite Green Bay being great against both the pass and run this year. However, like with their heroes, Green Bay has a heel on both side of the ball as well. On the offensive side of the ball Mark Tauscher is letting the team down. Let’s be honest, the Packers‘ Halfbacks aren’t going to rush for 1,000 yards any time soon, so we know they’re gonna pass the ball. However, Tauscher’s been around the block in a pass-heavy offense before, but this year, he’s already allowed the same amount of sacks as he did over the past three seasons. And his run blocking isn’t helping either.

Houston Texans
Hero(es): Kevin Walter & Owen Daniels
When I was correcting Madden ratings for the 2008 edition to make them accurate a little gem caught my eye. His name was Kevin Walter, and he caught my eye because of how elusive he is. Well, Kevin Walter has lived up to larger expectations than I thought he would when putting in his attributes. Walter has stepped up with the loss of Johnson, having 5 strong games since he went down, and is on pace for a near1,000 yard season. Walter has exceeded all expectations and the only negative of his season this year is that he hasn’t been elusive. Meanwhile, in case you didn’t know, the future at the Tight End position is Owen Daniels. While he hasn’t put the ball into the endzone this year, he’s a reception machine, bringing in 39 receptions for slightly less than 500 yards at the 9-game mark. He’s come down with 86% of intended targets, which isn’t bad given that he’s only got 3 drops. Matt Schaub and Sage Rosenfels have overthrown and overthrown his a considerable amount, and yet he still comes down with the ball, even if the ball is on it’s way out of bounds. Mark my words, when it comes to talking about top five Tight Ends next season, you will hear ESPN talking about Daniels as if they discovered him.

Heel(s): Ephraim Salaam & Matt Schaub
One thing has been proven this year. It wasn’t always the Texans line. Davis Carr was the majority of the problem when it came to those legendary sack totals for the Texans. However, Ephraim Salaam is still on the team from last year that gave up numerous sacks. Funny thing? While the rest of the line looks tremendously improved with both Schaub and Rosenfels at QuarterBack, keeping their sack totals down, Ephraim Salaam is having a horrid season, that is worse than Walter Jones’ 2006 season. Salaam has given up over half of the teams sacks to this point, and with a half of a sack given up in the Texans’ next game, he will already have performed at a lower level, both pass blocking and run blocking wise, than he did last season. Meanwhile, while Schaub looked impressive when he first came in, he has regressed mightily since being injured against Jacksonville. Since then he’s been injured in every game that he’s played and offered no touchdowns through the air, but 3 interceptions. At this point, the Texans made the right decision to trade for Schaub, however, without Andre Johnson Schaub looks like nothing more than an average QuarterBack.

Indianapolis Colts
Hero(es): Joseph Addai, Reggie Wayne & Bob Sanders
Is there any doubt who is carrying the Colts at this point in the season? While Manning may still be calling the signals and not turning the ball over, he’s on pace for one of his lowest touchdown totals since entering the league., and not playing the same pass heavy style of years past. However, Colts’ fans don’t fret. Joseph Addai is living up to the hype and is almost assured a spot in the Pro Bowl barring injury. Addai is 3rd in the league in rushing yards, despite being tied for 11th in attempts. But what’s most impressive about his performance? He’s 2nd in the NFL in rushing TDs and is responsible for 33% of the Colt’s total scoring. Meanwhile, Reggie Wayne is also helping to move that offense. With the league’s best Wide Receiver(arguably) in Marvin Harrison going down to a knee injury, Wayne has taken it as a chance to try and finally emerge from Marvin’s shadow and say that he can be a No. 1 Wide Receiver in this league. Needless to say, he’s doing it, and he is th
e Colts biggest threat for a long play. Not to mention his efficiency numbers are amongst the top three in the NFL.

Heel(s): Anthony Gonzalez & Freddy Keiaho
When the Colts picked Anthony Gonzalez in the first round everyone knew he was meant to be Brendan Stokley’s replacement. I, however, always wondered why they picked him. They won a Super Bowl using Clark as a slot WR, so a later round pick could possibly have gotten the job done. But Gonzalez looked like a perfect fit. Unfortunately for the Colts, even prior to Harrison going down, Gonzalez’s efficiency numbers were horrid. Now that he’s the No. 2 Receiver by default, they’re even worse. In fact, the best example of all of this is when Gonzalez had what looked like a TD in the biggest game of the year only to drop it. Meanwhile, as I’m sure you know, Cato June departed for Tampa in the off-season and Freddy Keiaho replaced him. And while Freddy looked drop dead amazing in the first game, he’s been non-existent at the Weakside since. In fact, the Colts have been using CornerBacks as weak side LineBackers to play coverage because Keiaho’s inability to play the Tampa 2 scheme
effectively and take away an area of the field, or at the very worst, shield it.

Jacksonville Jaguars:
Hero(es): Dennis Norman & Maurice Jones-Drew
Over the summer I said “now that Jeff Hartings is retired, Brad Meester is the best run blocking center in the NFL.” Well looking at the play and numbers halfway into a season where Meester has only played in 4 games, and the system is virtually the same. MJD and Taylor both average over 4.5 Yards per carry up the middle, and most of their combined touchdowns come there as well. The guy that took over for Meester as he recovered was Dennis Norman, so he gets credit where credit is due for stepping up like some of the previously mentioned playes. Meanwhile, Maurice Jones-Drew is returning for a season after one in which he was robbed of a “Offensive Rookie Of The Year” title. While Jones-Drews’ isn’t putting up numbers of the caliber he put up last season, he is still putting up amazing numbers and his ability to run and pick up yardage is very important to the Jags record. Drew, like last season, gets it done all over the field, and though whatever methods that it takes. As
I type this, through eight games Jones-Drew has 1,182 total yards and 5 touchdowns; 3 rushing, 1 receiving and 1 return. He’s ridiculous.

Heel(s): Mike Peterson, Rashean Mathis & Marcus Stroud
Two seasons ago Mike Peterson was unquestionably the best LineBacker in the NFL, in terms of production, leadership, and on-the-field play. He helped to lead the Jags to a top 5 defense and a 12-4 record. Unfortunately for him, the Associated Press felt that Brian Urlacher, somehow deserved the DPOTY award. The following season Peterson was injured, and this season Peterson hasn’t played up to par. Peterson has been a force against the run; however, he’s been non-existent against the pass. His two passes defended where a result of the receiver dropping the ball. While Peterson has been a tackling machine(with a solo to assist rate of nearly 12 to 1), he hasn’t done much else. Meanwhile, Rashean Mathis who has made his living grabbing interceptions and batting down balls hasn’t really done either of the two this season. While he’s still an important cog in the defense running well, he clearly isn’t taking the chances that he used to take, which usually resulted in positive pl
ays over negative plays. Mathis chooses to allow the short completion and stop as opposed to the possible short completion and following run as a result of a gaff. Finally, Stroud makes this list because of his suspension for four games. Over those four games the Steelers will play opponents with a combined record of 21-11. They really would have needed him.

Kansas City Chiefs
Hero(es): Dwayne Bowe, Jared Allen, Donnie Edwards, Napoleon Harris & Derrick Johnson
What can I say about the Chiefs? They’re all over the place. Some of them are playing lights out(namely the Front 7 of the defense and their two leading receivers), while others are just plain sucking it up. This is the reason that this 4-4 team has so many heros and so many heels. Dwayne Bowe is a hero because he’s averaging 17 yards a reception and is on pace for 1,000 yards and 6 TDs, including a game-winner. He’s shown up without a doubt. Meanwhile on the defensive side of the ball the Chiefs have only allowed 3 touchdowns on the ground, because of a stout LineBacking corps that really needs to start getting some recognition. Additionally, Jared Allen is a possible Defensive Player of the Year offering 8.5 sacks, 1.5 stuffs, and an incredible four passes batted down at the line of scrimmage. On a team filled with players who should probably be benched, and ones playing as if they’re in contract years, it’s clear who the heroes are.

Heel(s): Damion McIntosh, Brian Waters, Casey Weigmann, John Welbourn, Larry Johnson & Damon Huard
In case you didn’t know, the first four names listed here are the Offensive line from the Left Tackle to the Right Guard. Why are they here? Because not only are they not living up to their reputation as stout run blockers this year, not opening up holes in the middle, but they’re also not pass blocking well either, evidenced by the fact that they’ve given up 52% of the line’s total sacks. Meanwhile, while you need some adequate blocking from your line to go over 1,600 yards rushing, if you’re an elite HalfBack than you don’t need a great O-Line. Yet, Larry Johnson, who many anointed the second best HalfBack in the NFL over the past two seasons, isn’t doing much on his own. If the league’s best HalfBack can put together All-Pro years without a decent line, shouldn’t the league’s second best Halfback be able to do relatively the same thing? Especially when one of his linemen is still run-blocking very well. I like LJ, but the 400+ carries last season clearly has affected, not only him, but his offensive line as well. Finally, wasn’t Damon Huard supposed to lead this team to victory after he got the reigns for this season? Yet, he’s been playing horrible, despite having better weapons than last season. Can you say product of a run team?

Miami Dolphins
Hero(es): Vernon Carey, Chris Liweienski, Samson Satele, Rex Hadnot, L.J. Shelton & Ronnie Brown
There Is a reason this team is 0-8. And when your sole and only hero that is not on your offensive line is on injured reserve it pretty much sums up your season. Prior to going down, Ronnie Brown was the only skilled position player for the Dolphins that has been doing anything of note. While Cleo Lemon is a fighter, he’s not winnign any games. Anyway, back on topic. Not only is this group dominantly run blocking(allowing their ball carriers to average 5 yards a carry), but they’re dominating pass blocking as well, only having allowed 16 sacks. In fact, this is embodied by Vernon Carey who, though making the move to Left Tackle, is playing at an All-Pro level, yet going unnoticed. Only playing seven games into the season, Brown had 991 yards from scrimmage, and was a clear cut Pro Bowl choice. Unfortunately, as you know, an ACL-tear ended his season early, and with it, any hopes of the Dolphins finishing the season strong.

Heel(s): Joey Porter, Jason Taylor & Ted Ginn Jr.
When Joey Porter was signed by the Dolphins there was a rift between NFL fans. Many thought he would dominate playing opposite of Jason Taylor while the other half thought he robbed the Dolphins of money and was over the hill. It would seem, at least halfway through the season that the latter group was correct. Porter, who is mainly a pass rusher, with great zone skills, has really demonstrated neither this season and is a large reason this defense is disappointing. Jason Taylor is another reason for the disappointing defense, and has taken the brunt of the blame. Taylor comes off a Defensive Player of the Year season, and has received the noticeable gameplanning around him, however, he hasn’t been able to shed blockers, or made many plays in coverage. While he has at least sacked the QB multiple times, unlike Porter, and even forced fumbles, he’s producing his second worst season, statistically, since entering the league. Finally, though many felt he was a project, not worth of an early first round pick, Miami drafted Ted Ginn Jr. at the 10th overall spot. Needless to say, he’s still clearly a project, as he’s produced one touchdown, in garbage time, and hasn’t done much more.

Minnesota Vikings
Hero(es): Adrian Peterson & E.J. Henderson
Is there any question who the hero for the Minnesota Vikings is? I don’t know, could it be the Rookie that has set two NFL records, 4 team records, and is a virtual lock for the “Offensive Rookie Of The Year” award barring hitting the rookie wall extremely hard? Adrian Peterson had many calling him the best HalfBack in the NFL, AS A ROOKIE! If the above doesn’t say it all, I don’t know what does. He’s clearly the hero of, not only the Vikings, but arguably, the hero of the season, barring one player on the next team. Additionally, it’s not as if Peteron is a product of that amazing run blocking left side; nope, in fact, he has numbers that are arguably better to the right. However, while Peterson is a big reason the Vikings have two of their three wins, let’s not forget E.J. Henderson. Against the run, E.J. Henderson is having the season of a lifetime. With his team only playing 8 games, Henderson has already record 9.5 stuffs. Some Defensive Ends don’t get that over two or three seasons! If Henderson could just make some plays in coverage, he would be freakishly scary. But for now, he’s helping to carry that defense to being one of the better rush defenses in NFL history in continuance of what they did last season.

Heel(s): Tarvaris Jackson & Tony Richardson
Quarterback of the future? I don’t think so. I understand that franchise QuarterBacks get injured(I mean look at Carson Palmer, Ben Roethlisberger and Drew Brees), but if Jackson is to truly be the Vikings’ franchise Quarterback, he needs to stay on the field! And when he does, he needs to produce. There’s a reason Peterson has so many yards, and it’s because Jackson can’t deliver the ball where it needs to go, even facing 8-man fronts. A mobile Quarterback that can’t throw the ball well, nor run, and avoid contact, doesn’t do service to anybody. Meanwhile, Tony Richardson, who was once considered the league’s best Fullback by some, is almost unnecessary on this team. I contested that he was overrated over the Summer, and still stand by that notion. Peterson has been running just fine(and more often) as the Lone setback than with Richardson in the backfield, and with the run blockers on that offensive line, Richardson is almost useless, and replaceable with a young fullback if you ask me.

New England Patriots
Hero(es): Tom Brady, Randy Moss & Vince WIlfork
Is there any question who the Patriots’ heroes are? After all, it’s week 9 and he is on pace for nearly 60 Touchdown passes, as well as has a virtual lock on the league’s Most Valuable Player award. Brady is on pace to set every single season passing record for the QuarterBack position by the end of the year. That about sums up his heroics in a single sentence. Plain and simple, if there was any doubt about him making the hall before, it’s gone now. Meanwhile, Brady owes a significant amount of thanks to Randy Moss. While Brady has an extravagant receiving corps, it’s pretty clear that the gameplanning around Moss is the reason that their passing game is so effective for all parties involved. In fact, Tom Brady is still one of the league leaders in statistically “Poor Throws”, and yet his numbers are vastly different. That alone should let you know Moss is the determining factor. Meanwhile, Moss is having his most efficient year ever as well, as well as one of his best seasons numbers wise. However, arguably the second biggest hero on the Patriots is Vince Wilfork. Wilfork has been playing as arguably the NFL’s best Nose Tackle, allowing his LineBackers to rack up 15 sacks, and his front 7 to be ranked 6th against the run, and only allow 3 touchdowns. Yet, you wont hear the media mentioning his name as a reason why the Pats D is playing so well. Did I mention he’s doing it without Richard Seymour?

Heel(s): Lawrence Maroney & Donte Stallworth
On a team that is 9-0 and dominating the rest of the league like what’s never been seen before, it’s hard to pick a heel, but I forced myself to do so. Amazingly, I found two of them. Lawrence “Boney” Maroney and Donte Stallworth. While both are actually putting up good seasons, they’re probably the least productive significant role players on the team. Maroney, mainly because he’s been often injured, but also because he hasn’t punched the ball into the endzone, while eighteen others for the Patriots have. However, I must, once again, emphasize that he’s on here because of his injuries this season. Meanwhile, Stallworth is on here because he was brought in to be the no. 2 Wide Receiver, but lost his job to Welker. Since then Welker has out produced him in every receiving category except for yards per reception. However, I will commend Stallworth for only having two drops this season, something I thought impossible of him.

New Orleans Saints
Hero(es): Jammal Brown, Jamar Nesbit, Jeff Faine, Jahri Evans & John Stinchcomb
For those of you out there who just love the skill positions, you probably only truly know who one of these guys are. The rest you probably just know because of who they’re listed with here on this list. But the thing is, the Saints offensive line has played lights out, barring Opening Kickoff Night, and don’t allow Drew Brees to be touched often. While the same cannot be said for Reggie Bush, their pass blocking has been amazing, allowing a mere five sacks to their opponents. This includes a string of five games in which Drew Brees never hit the ground with the ball in his hand. Essentially, the Saints started 0-4 because their offense couldn’t get going, but it was in almost no way the Offensive Line’s fault. They can hang their heads with pride, as they’re on pace for the possibility of allowing single digit sack totals as a unit throughout a season. Couple this with the fact that Drew Brees is on pace to throw his arm off(i.e. set the record for attempts in a season), and it’s made even more impressive and tells us at least one of these guys should see a Pro Bowl.

Heel(s): Drew Brees, Reggie Bush & Marques Colston
Meanwhile, while Drew Brees has been lights out over the past three or four games, I am not going to merely brush aside his horrible first four games that were even worse than What Ben Roethlisberger strung together to start the season last year. Brees is still, undoubtedly, a good QuarterBack, but I refuse to ignore the fact that he, Bush and Colston, singlehandedly have the Saints fighting four a first round home game, as opposed to a bye and homefield advantage at this point. That’s right, Brees, Bush and Colston’s inability to play up to the level of last season was the reason that the Saints lost their first four games. Bush, has begun to run between the tackles, and has done it effectively. However, unfortunately for him, he’s struggling at running outside of the tackles and thus was harming the Saints offense. While these guys have turned it around, it just remains way to hard to ignore that this is and will be an offensive team, and thus their Defense will give up points, but their offense should be putting up large number of points. The 0-4 start was a result of a lack of a defense, but the Saints came into the season knowing they had no defense. However, what they thought they had was a dependable offense.

New York Giants
Hero(es): Eli Manning & Antonio Pierce
You may be wondering why Eli Manning is here with a mere thirteen touchdown passes vs nine interceptions. On paper, Eli Manning looks like he hasn’t made any improvement. However, when you watch Manning on film you see that he is gradually maturing into the field general that the Giants traded for. Why isn’t Plaxico Burress on this list? Because he’s still dropping passes, still not taking them for first downs, and still only coming down with 50% of his balls. Despite his horrible inefficiency numbers, Burress is on pace for 1,000 yards and 16 touchdowns. Wonder why? Because Manning’s accuracy has stepped up leaps and bounds, and he is leading Burress to give Burress the best chance possible to create plays after the catch, which Burress has done perfectly; placing 230 yards after the catch on the table. Meanwhile, as I’m sure you know, I believe Antonio Pierce is overrated… however, this year he is playing up to the level the media acted as if he’d been playing on throughout his career. All it took was him being ignorant to an innocent young lady. But since Week 2, Pierce has been a force against the pass and has made tackle after tackle. He has stepped his game up big time, and if he can force a few more turnovers, he might finally actually be an elite LineBacker.

Heel(s): Jeremy Shockey
Sadtly, of the Giants, the only one that I can think of that hasn’t played up to the expected level is Jeremy Shockey. Supposedly one of the five best Tight Ends in the NFL, Shockey has dropped out of most fans’ top 5, and even some fans’ top 10 lists. Shockey hasn’t been dropping many passes, only two, however, he hasn’t been able to beat jams and create separation between himself and the defender. In fact, Shockey’s route running has been somewhat sloppy in comparison to the past and as a result Manning has to force balls into tight spots. However, I will give credit where credit is due. Shockey has been well above average with his rush blocking this season, even with a Halfback by committee thing going on in New York. Simply put, Shockey is only disappointing in that he cannot get separation and as a result hasn’t been producing in the redzone like he has in previous years.

New York Jets
Hero(es): Leon Washington, Laveranues Coles & Jerricho Cotchery
Can I just say that if Leon Washington doesn’t go to Honolulu than I’m going to personally hurt somebody. Is there any question who the best kickoff returner in the NFL is this year. Washington’s been returning balls so well that many Jets fans are calling for him to start over an excellent HalfBack in Thomas Jones. In fact, while New York’s only won one game, Washington has surely kept them competitive in a few. And speaking of keeping the Jets in games, that is exactly what Laveraneus Coles and Jerricho Cotchery have done. The pair of funnily named receivers is secretly one of the best in the league, despite inconsistent QuarterBack play. Cotchery is slowly emerging into a moderate pass length threat for whoever is playing QuarterBack, while Coles complements him perfectly as a possession Wideout that gets it done in the red zone. While the duo isn’t as sure handed as they were last season, in continuance of what was said earlier, Cotchery is emerging into an individual that can move the chains. There’s a reason that this Jets team is 1-7… because Coles and Cotch could have better numbers, however, they’re still amongst the clear cut heroes for this team.

Heel(s): Jonathan Vilma & D’Brickashaw Ferguson
I said it last Summer, and I’ll say it now as the Jets look to shop him across the league during the Off-Season. Jonathan Vilma is a great LineBacker, but he’s a North-South LineBacker that doesn’t play outside the tackle box. As evidenced by, not only his numbers since playing in a 3-4, but by Eric Mangini’s reactions towards him. Vilma has struggled in coverage, which is extremely important for a 3-4 Inside LineBacker, and cannot shed blockers, but needs big bodies in front of him to open holes. Unfortunately for him, that’s not what the 3-4 is about, and as a result Vilma has almost been, if not has been, a liability for the Jets defense. Meanwhile, I know I’m going to take flack for this, but D’Brickashaw is still a letdown for me. While he’s an amazing talent, we can’t forget he was taken 4th overall, and yet hasn’t received any criticism. At this point, having arguably played better, only less mature, Robert Gallery was being ripped apart. While D’Brickashaw has shown extreme intelligence for the game, he has seemed to regress in the way of physicality. While his season isn’t horrible, I just don’t like the hypocrisy of Brick not getting criticized and thus he makes the heels list.

Oakland Raiders
Hero(es): Thomas Howard & Kirk Morrison
When a LineBacker has three interceptions, a lot of them probably came on errant throws from the QuarterBack. When a LineBacker has four interceptions, a lt of them probably came on errant throws. However, this isn’t the case for either of these two Raiders LineBackers. In fact, of their combined 7 interceptions, only two of them have come about as a result of a gaffed throw; once on an underthrown pass, and another where the receiver ran the wrong route. For those who haven’t connected the dots yet, this means that the Raiders Linebackers are good, not only in zone coverage, but in man coverage as well. In fact, I could probably say that the Raiders LineBacking Corp is the best coverage unit in the NFL based merely on the play of two of their LineBackers. However, they’re not one dimensional players that can only play the pass. While their play against the run isn’t as stout as their passing defense, they’re no slouches. Both of these men should probably get Pro Bowl bids, but unfortunately, they more than likely wont get any.

Heel(s): JaMarcus Russell, Daunte Culpepper & Josh McCown
Admittedly the Raiders are the team that I’ve watched the least this season because they’re always playing at the same time as the Patriots. However, I have seen enough to know that Josh McCown, when he does play, needs to step his game up, even if it is ever so slightly. Unfortunately for the Raiders, McCown is amongst the top players in the NFL in “Poor Throw Percentage”, however, the key difference is that others that are high in that category are throwing touchdowns. Additionally, Daunte Culpepper, while providing a moderate spark plug when made the starter, is still playing at his Miami level as opposed to the level that he played at before injuring himself in Minnesota. However, perhaps the Raiders wouldn’t need a QuarterBack by committee if JaMarcus Russell would’ve signed on time. I have no time with wanting to feed your kids, but the fact of the matter is, that as the first overall, you could get paid over 30 Million and take one snap and get injured, yet Russell felt the need to hold out. Excuse me for being ignorant, but Russell should be happy he’s even getting the opportunity, not taking advantage of the fact that he could get some money. Because all he did was hurt his development, and as a result the team.

Philadelphia Eagles
Hero(es): Brian Westbrook, Sheldon Brown, & Williams “Tre” Thomas
Is there any Halfback in the NFL more consistent than Brian Westbrook? Despite who’s playing QuarterBack, despite who’s blocking for him, and despite how his body is feeling, Westbrook lines up and produces every week. He runs it and catches it with the best of his ability. Fortunately for the Eagles that’s at the caliber of the best versatile HalfBack in the NFL. Despite the problems in Philadelphia and missing a game, Westbrook still has over a thousand yards from scrimmage. But he’s not the only one on the offense that’s displayed his importantce. Williams Thomas, the Left Tackle, has continued to show that he one of the league’s top 5 Left Tackles, and arguably the most complete in the NFL, allowing players to run for 7 yards per carry and 2 touchdowns with him as the lead block. His importance was best emphasized during the Giants game when he went down and the line fell apart. Meanwhile Sheldon Brown has returned to his All-Pro caliber form that was equal to top 10 at the position until he played badly last season. Browns coverage has been especially well when the team blitzes.

Heel(s): Shawn Andrews & Reggie Brown
While William Thomas has shown how elite he is, and just how important he is to the offensive line, Shawn Andrews can leave you wondering otherwise. Sure, Andrew may be the lead block on 26% of Westbrook’s screen passes, but that doesn’t negate the fact that Westbrook has had Andrews as a leadblock for only 11% of his rushes, which is absolutely horrid for what is anointed as “The League’s best Guard under 25”. Not to mention the fact that Andrews has been one of the worst pass blocking guards in the NFL. “Big Haus” as they call him needs to step it up. Meanwhile, so does Reggie Brown. While everyone is trying to blame McNabb they need to realize that he’s actually not playing well… he’s just not punching it into the endzone. That’s more on the receivers than the QuarterBack, as they don’t create separation. However, at least Curtis has gotten it done once in the red zone. Brown needs to step it up, as we know he can seeing as how he got 800+ yards last season, otherwise, he needs to take some of the blame.

Pittsburgh Steelers
Hero(es): Ben Roethlisberger, Casey Hampton & Ike Taylor
What can be said about the season that Ben Roethlisberger is having. He’s 2nd in the NFL in touchdowns and thus touchdown percentage and has him 8th amongst all QuarterBacks that have started every game. Speaking of which, that is quite possibly the biggest reason that Roethlisberger is a hero this season. It looks as if, for the first time in his season, Roethlisberger will play all 16 games for the Steelers. And if he continues at the rate he’s going, I’m sure Western Pennsylvania will be happy. Meanwhile, while everyone is naming Albert Haynesworth as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, Casey Hampton continue to play at an All-Pro level. Hampton, a 3-4 Nose Tackle, has opened holes for his LineBackers to gather an astounding 19.5 sacks, but also only allowing 76 yards per game on the ground, and still only 1 100-yard rusher in 58 games. In short, Hampton has this 3-4 Defense as one of the most efficient 3-4 Defenses of all time. And speaking of efficient, props to Ike Taylor for returning to his 2005 form. While he only allowed two touchdowns then, 8 games into 2007 he’s allowed a mere 1 TD and taken away half the field. If Taylor could grow a set of hands he’d lead the NFL in interceptions, not only this year, but over the past three seasons.

Heel(s): Troy Polamalu & Brett Keisel
Unfortunately for Troy Polamalu’s numbers on paper, Mike Tomlin loves Cover 2 Shells that drop him into deep coverage. It’s unfortunate because Polamalu is going to stay back and not rack up as many tackles, or short range undercut interceptions. Also, Polamalu hasn’t been playing his strong suit of man coverage at all this season. Instead Troy sits back and waits for the ball to be delivered and then nails the receiver hard. In fact, he‘s one of the NFL leaders in terms of balls jarred loose at this time. However, this doesn’t mean Polamalu doesn’t blitz, because he has. However, he hasn’t gotten to the QuarterBack first any of the times he’s gotten there. Meanwhile, when it comes to blitzing, Brett Keisel was the Steelers most effective lineman last season, and was most efficient two seasons ago. However, this year, Keisel has not only put the QB on the ground with the ball in his hand, but he’s failing to get pressure or eat up blocks, and as a result has split time at the DE position.

San Diego Chargers
Hero(es): Antonio Gates & Nick Hardwick
Is it any surprise that one of the two flagship members of the Chargers is one of the only ones that is playing like a hero? While LaDainian Tomlinson got off to a slow start, Antonio Gates came out of the blocks running extremely hard. Gates posted over 75 yards and 6 receptions in the first 5 games of the season and two more good games prior to last week’s showing. He also saw the endzone five times at that point. In case this isn’t hitting home, Gates is on a ludicrous pace for 94 receptions, 10 touchdowns and 1,300 yards receiving. As previously mentioned, Tomlinson started slow, but has since picked up his play. That’s because Nick Hardwick is playing at a Pro Bowl level. Hardwick has offered up 0 sacks in the passing game, but has been just as dominant in the run game as well for the six games that he has played. Tomlinson has run with Hardwick as his lead blocker for the majority of his plays despite this, and still averages over 4 Yards Per Carry and has brought in two touchdowns behind him. Hardwick is solidifying himself as the future at Center in the AFC.

Heel(s): Philip Rivers, Jamal Williams & Shawne Merriman
The Chargers are a team filled with more talent than any other team, or so the media likes to tell me. However, as with the majority of all teams, it all starts with the QuarterBack play. And while Philip Rivers played excellent last season, he surely isn’t this season. In fact, of the three big QuarterBacks of the 2004 season that’ll be compared throughout their careers, Rivers is bringing up the rear this season. Rivers has just not been accurate this season, nor has he been able to thread the ball into his big physical receivers without overshooting them or it being knocked away by a Defensive Back. Furthermore, Rivers Touchdown percentage is only .8% higher than his Interception percentage. This alone should tell you how average, if that, he’s playing. Meanwhile, the Chargers other 2004 first round pick isn’t playing up to par either. Shawne Merriman is proving that the loss of the blitz heavy system of Wade Phillips is really effecting him. While he’s blitzing more efficiently, he’s not racking up record breaking totals because he’s not rushing the QuarterBack every play anymore. While not all of Merriman’s passes defended have been recorded at the line this year, they haven’t exactly been a result of stout coverage. I’m sorry, does anyone still think this guy is the league’s best overall LineBacker? I hope not. Finally Jamal Williams makes this list simply for the fact that “The League’s Best Nose Tackle” has an injured arm, but even still should never allow a record setting day from a rookie on his run defense.

San Francisco 49ers
Hero(es): Nate Clements & Patrick Willis
Nate Clements signed the biggest contract ever for a Defensive Back. And while many believe that he wasn’t worth the money, myself included, you cannot deny the season that is having. Clements is, arguably, playing like the best CornerBack in the NFL this season. In a division that include the most depth and talent at the receiver position, Clements is playing lights out, and while the lack of production from the NFC West Receivers isn’t just because of Nate Clements coverage abilities, you can’t bet your chips that he has a good part to do with it. Meanwhile, while I feel that “P-Willie” isn’t as good as his unofficial tackle totals would lead one to believe, one cannot deny that he is a sound tackler, and most importantly, as a rookie he is already a defensive leader for one of the league’s best defenses. But shh… don’t tell anybody that the 49ers, led by a rookie, secretly have an elite defense.

Heel(s): Jim Hostler
Yet another coach or coordinator makes this list. Why is this? Because Hostler is almost single handedly responsible for the six losses that the 49ers have. As mentioned above The 49ers actually have a pretty good defense. Unfortunately for the defense though, the offense turns the ball over in enemy territory often and leaves them with their backs at the wall. Trust me, the problem isn’t Alex Smith, nor was it even Trent Dilfer. It was the offensive playcalling which never opened up. With a Halfback like a Frank Gore and a talented WR Corp with 4 viable targets you would think that the 49ers offense wouldn’t be the worst in the NFL…. And yet It is. Why is this? Because the offense continues to remain conservative, not opening up the passing game and not running plays with routes that eventually develop far downfield. Unfortunately for Frank Gore and Alex Smith, their numbers suffer as a result and individuals are going to negate Gore’s 2006 and Alex’s improvement in 2006.

Seattle Seahawks
Hero(es): Bobby Engram & Nate Burleson
With a spastic run game, and their Number 1 Wide Receiver having been out for 3.75 games, is it any question that these guys have been the Seahawks heroes? Bobby Engram has stepped his game up fourfold. Since Deion Branch went down against the Steelers, Bobby Engram has brought in 29 receptions, 1 touchdown and 332 yards in 3 games. That is pure dominance at the Wide Receiver position over that game span. While last season it looked as is Engram should quite possibly retired, this season Engram is showing that veterans can still get it done, and they can do it when it’s needed the most. However, Engram has only stepped up in the passing and running game(via blocking), where as Burleson has stepped up in both of those matters, as well as in the punt return game. Already a fierce punt and kick returner, Burleson has returned two for touchdowns this season, including one of extreme importance last weekend against the Browns that nearly won the game if not for a courageous effort from Jamal Lewis. However, Burleson has contributed roughly 50 yards receiving a game over the three game span without Branch as well. If only all team’s receivers would step up like this when their Number 1 goes down.

Heel(s): Walter Jones & Shaun Alexander
I don’t care what you try and tell me… guess what? Walter Jones hasn’t been the league’s best Left Tackle, let alone a top 5 one for some time now. At least not without Steve Hutchinson next to him. Does Walter Jones get it done? Yes. Is he one tough guy? Heck yes. But I have a note for Seahawk fans… you can’t try and cite his injuries, which Holmgren doesn’t even report to the injury log as a reason as to why he’s given up more sacks over the past 25 games than any other Left Tackle in the NFL. Guess what? Every lineman plays injured, but right now Jones is hurting the Seahawks more than helping them. While I may catch flak on that one, I know I won’t for criticizing 2005 MVP Shaun Alexander who fans are calling for the head of. Alexander has avoided contact when running, run softly, and not shown the effort that a starting HalfBack should. I understand that he’s over 30, but if you’re starting for an NFL franchise should you not be giving your all? And it can’t be the line because Mo Morris and Leonard Weaver have been able to work with them effectively.

St. Louis Rams
Hero(es): Torry Holt
On an 0-8 team, like the Dolphins, there is only one hero on this team. Torry “Big Game” Holt. Despite the fact that he’s been playing with multiple Quarterbacks, all of which have been injured, and thus not very good, Holt has still produced and is still holds, at worst, the second best pair of hands in the NFL. On a team where the offense is supposed to be the key focal point, only one member of the big name offense has actually shown up and produced; Holt. Holt’s been targeted 73 times, on pace for a career low, and only dropped one pass. However, he is still on pace for 92 receptions, 1,100+ yards, and eight touchdowns. However, in this year of the wide receiver would those numbers be truly worth of a Pro Bowl bid?

Heel(s): Steven Jackson, Milford Brown & Marc Bulger
Steven Jackson is on this list because he is not only the Rams’ biggest heal, but he is, quite possibly, the NFL’s largest heel. Many NFL fans, myself included, had Jackson anointed as the league’s second best HalfBack, but unfortunately for us, Jackson hasn’t been healthy enough, and thus hasn’t produced to reaffirm that notion. Jackson has played in half of the games, and has only finished two of them. Additionally he has carried the same amount of times as rookie Brian Leonard, and produced 2 less yards. At this point in the season I’m sure many people, especially fantasy owners, believed Jackson would have over 1,000 yards from scrimmage, not 340-something. As previously mentioned, the Rams’ QuarterBacks have been consistently battered because their offensive line being consistently battered. However, the member of the offensive line that possibly deserves that most blame is Milford Brown, who is, not only blocking ineffectively against the run, but is on pace to have the worst pass blocking season ever for a Guard. And while Marc Bulger is playing with bad ribs, he’s still an elite QuarterBack and thus shouldn’t be playing at the caliber of Jamie Martin or Gus Frerotte. He too is to blame for the Rams starting out 0-8.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Hero(es): Jeff Garcia, Ernest Graham & Joey Galloway
Is there any doubt to anybody’s mind why the Buccaneers are still in the running for an NFC playoff position? We know the Buccaneers. Whoever is the coach doesn’t matter; they’re always going to be known for their defense. And while Tampa’s defense has shown up, their offense has shown up nicely as well. Jeff Garcia has only thrown three interceptions this season and all of them have come in one game. But he has also thrown a moderately nice 9 touchdowns. Excellent QuarterBack play like that is always going to keep you in the game. Especially when you can simply plug in a Halfback like Ernest Graham and still impose your will in the running game. Speaking of Ernest Graham, did anybody know who this guy was at the start of the season? Let alone did anyone think he could feel the Cadillac’s tires? Well he did, and has been doing so well, including recording his first 100 yard game last weekend. While, mathematically, he isn’t on pace to run for 1,000 yards I can guarantee you that he will. Finally, the player that helps to make Garcia’s QB play and Ernest Graham’s running ability a possibility is Joey Galloway. Despite being in his late 30s, Galloway is still one of the league’s biggest burners, causing Safeties to play outside the box and giving Garcia and Graham much more to work with. However Joey still is on pace for a 1,300 yard season and 10 touchdowns.

Heel(s): Alex Smith & Michael Clayton
Both of these young men showed immense potential when they first entered the league. Unfortunately though, the two dominant pass catchers on this team are two men well over 30.Simply put, these guys need to step it up. They are 4th and 6th, respectively, in terms of receptions for the team, which includes being behind a Halfback. If even one of these two guys can get their head in the game and start producing even moderate numbers it would gradually help what is already a good offense. Clayton has only been targeted 11 times this season. Smith? A mere 25. While this may be Jeff Garcia’s inability to see other eligible receivers, something tells me with the way that offense is run, at least Smith should be getting involved in the passing game more, and that Clayton has regressed so far from his rookie season that Gruden doesn’t trust him to have the ball in his hands. Just another example of veterans proving an understanding of the game and the ability to remain healthy is more important than extreme and youthful talent.

Tennessee Titans
Hero(es): Michael Roos, David Stewart, Kyle Vanden Bosch, Albert Haynseworth, Antwan Odom & Travis LaBoy
Cam you say that it’s all won in the trenches? Despite not having anyone excellent at the CornerBack position, or any notable HalfBacks or Receivers in Tennessee they somehow find themselves in the playoff hunt as one of the league’s better teams. Why? Because Michael Roos, as I’ve been saying for two seasons now, is arguably the league’s best pass blocking Left Tackle. Unfortunately for him, until the media says your name you’re a virtual unknown. However, he’s also getting help from his counterpart, Right tackle David Stewart. The duo combined have given up 0 sacks. Meanwhile the Titans are fielding the league’s best Defensive line led by Albert Haynesworth and Kyle Vanden Bosch. While the former is in Defensive Player of the Year talks, the latter is playing at an equally high level. Combind with Antwan Odom, Travis LaBoy and Tony Brown, the Titans front 4 is tops in the NFL against the run, and is in the top 5 for teams with sacks garnered by defensive lineman. Does “Vince Young Win Games” or does the “Front Line Win Games”? You be the judge.

Heel(s): Vince Young
Last seasons’ “Offensive Rookie Of The Year” is clearly hitting a sophomore slump. Despite the fact that his team is well over .500 at this point, it’s pretty clear that VY10 has been a liability for the Titans, not an asset. On a team where the two tackles have given up a combined 0 sacks, Young has thrown 5 more interceptions than touchdowns and fumbled more times than he’s punched the ball into the endzone. Vince Young is, in fact, a turnover machine. Young has been so unreliable that the Titans have had to not only rely on a top defense that is arguably the best in the NFL, but they’ve had to rely on 2nd year Powerback Lendale White to carry the load even if his average yards per carry has to take a significant drop to 3.5 YPC to win. I’m sorry, but Young didn’t deserve the “Offensive Rookie Of The Year” award last season, and he isn’t helping his team this season. If the Titans are to continue on to the playoffs, then Young’s play needs to improve drastically… otherwise the Titans are looking at an early Wild Card exit.

Washington Redskins
Hero(es): Sean Taylor & Antwaan Randle-El
Last season Sean Taylor was, metrically, the worst Safety to ever play the position. He gave up more touchdowns than any Safety and missed a rather considerable percentage of his tackles. As a result he saw a drop in many top Safeties lists… He must have taken that to heart, because Taylor is playing lights out. No, honestly, Taylor has a pass rush now, and it’s gradually affected his game. Don’t believe me? 3 of Taylor’s 5 Interceptions came on balls that were underthrown because the QuarterBack was under pressure. Another was from an overthrow from the exact same reason. However, Taylor has taken ripe advantage of the situations and has put together an All-Pro caliber season, playing excellent zone coverage. However, Antwaan Randle-El is the offenses’ biggest hero. In a Wide Receiver Corps that has 6+ receivers who cannot stay on the field, Randle-El has played every game, and despite only having 3 more receptions than the next leading receiver, he has nearly 200 more yards. Randle-El has been the only bright spot for young QuarterBack Jason Campbell and has been a security blanket for him, including being very efficient with only 2 drops.

Heel(s): Santana Moss & Brandon Lloyd
On the other side of the spectrum Santana Moss and Brandon Lloyd have let the Redskins down big time. I recall that over the off-season I got into a heated argument with a Redskins fan that attempted to tell me that Santana Moss was a top 15 receiver in the NFL despite his career underachieving, barring one year. As you’d expect he cited Moss’ first season in Washington. Anyway, Moss continues to be a career underachiever that, injured or not, doesn’t play up to potential and seems to be nothing more than another speed project that didn’t pan out in the long run. However, fortunately for the Redskins he wasn’t a bank breaker. Brandon Lloyd, however, was. Brandon Lloyd has seen the field, despite being healthy enough to suit up, only twice and has only brought in two receptions for 16 yards. At 5-3 imagine what Washington’s record could possibly be if they could actually get two of their first three receivers on the depth chart to remain on the field consistently and produce. I think that the term for these two isn’t “Heels” but “Thieves”.