Midseason report

Sporting News, The, Nov 6, 2000

As the second half kicks off, we distribute our halftime awards and identify the pivotal players and spoiler teams that will shape the finish of the season

It's tough coming up with a summation of the 2000 season at the midway point. This parity thing the league has been striving to achieve--and finally has--is really sort of boring. No dynasties. No big games. No upsets. It's even getting tough for some fans to hate the Cowboys.

There's really only one word to describe this season: incomplete. That's not a grade; it's a theme. At this time a year ago, at least the Rams and the Jaguars qualified as balanced teams. After nine weeks of this season, you can't make that case for any club. Statistically, the Bills are the most well-rounded team in the league, and they aren't even over .500. The Titans lack weapons in the passing game, as do the Redskins; the Buccaneers can't score points, period; even the undefeated Vikings have holes on defense. Unless Bud Carson works miracles with the Rams' defense, the second half of the season will be as unpredictable as the first.

First-half awards

The I'm Outta Here Award: to former Panthers offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave. This guy let a play-calling conflict with coach George Seifert potentially ruin what promised to be a successful coaching career at the pro level. The saying "nobody likes a quitter" surely will haunt him the next time he goes looking for a job. Our question is this: How did someone with such thin skin survive a six-year NFL playing career?

Mission Impossible Award: to Lions free safety Corwin Brown. In one crushing blow, Brown did something that no one in America had been able to do for the past five years--shut up Keyshawn Johnson. The Bucs' receiver, who has called more press conferences in the past two months than President Clinton, admitted that Brown's hit, which left him with a bloody nose and a swollen eye, made him feel like he'd been through a fight with Mike Tyson. Corwin, Wayne Chrebet sends his thanks.

Be Glad You Didn't Get What You Wished For Award: to Vikings coach Dennis Green. Though Green deserves credit for recognizing Daunte Culpepper's immense talent, let's not forget that his first choice to quarterback the Vikings was Dan Marino. Had Green not struck out with Marino, a potential league MVP candidate would still be carrying a clipboard.

You Don't Play on Saturday Anymore Award: to Steelers rookie wide receiver Plaxico Burress, who should have stayed at Michigan State another year. He turned off countless coaches and scouts before the draft with an aloof attitude and poor work habits, but few forecast his on-field immaturity. In a Week 5 game in Jacksonville, Burress caught a 19-yard pass, slid to the turf--without being touched--and immediately bounced up and spiked the ball in the direction of several defenders. An alert Jaguars defensive player scooped up the ball and returned the fumble 43 yards. Very professional, Plax.

Better Late Than Never Award: to Jets quarterback Vinny Testaverde. Testaverde ranked near the bottom of the league in overall passer rating after eight weeks, but only two players had a better mark in the fourth quarter. Testaverde, who turns 37 this month, orchestrated fourth-quarter comebacks in four of the team's first six wins. It's time for Jim Harbaugh to relinquish the "Captain Comeback" nickname to Testaverde.

Give Credit Where Credit is Due Award: to the Broncos' scouting staff. Everyone was quick to praise the Broncos' offensive line for making a star out of another obscure running back, rookie Mike Anderson, but there is a group of men who spend their time in dark film rooms and college campuses who also deserve recognition. General manager Neat Dahlen and his staff have done an excellent job of identifying low-profile, cutback-type runners who fit their system and draft them in the later rounds. As a result, the Broncos have been competitive even without Terrell Davis and Olandis Gary.

Players poised for a second-half breakout

Lions running back James Stewart. It's not like Stewart has been stored in mothballs in the basement of the Silverdome. He's on pace to rush for more than 1,000 yards, and only a handful of backs have more carries. Now that the Lions are finally playing Bobby Ross-style football, Stewart's second-half production will sharply increase. The team's win in Tampa, during which he pounded the Buccaneers for three touchdowns, was just a sign of things to come.

Redskins outside linebacker LaVar Arrington. Arrington possesses a rare burst to the quarterback, but it took him awhile to catch Greg Jones on the depth chart. Now that he has finally reached the starting lineup, look for Arrington to start fulfilling some of his potential. He benefited from end Courtney Brown's presence at Penn State and he'll do the same down the stretch when opponents focus on blocking ends Bruce Smith and Marco Coleman. Arrington could emerge as the second-half's most dangerous blitzer.

Broncos running back Terrell Davis. If it weren't for those damn Campbell's Chunky Soup ads, would anyone even remember that Davis is still in the league? Rookie Mike Anderson has averaged nearly 100 yards per game in Davis' absence, but coach Mike Shanahan can't wait to get Davis back in the lineup (he's scheduled to return Sunday against the Jets). If Davis is well-rested, rather than well-rusted, the former MVP will provide the emotional lift this team needs to get back to the playoffs.