Rick Stewart/Getty Images
I always like to hand out the hardware after each quarter of the NFL season.
However, the players and teams receiving their just due better not forget that there are eight more games to be played this season.
Head Coach of the first half
Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Caldwell
He became the first rookie head coach since Potsy Clark in 1931 (Portsmouth Spartans started 8-0) to start the season 7-0. Caldwell has done a great job keeping a veteran group of players on track despite numerous injuries.
In speaking of his team’s 7-0 start and tying Clark’s record, Caldwell said, “They’re not handing out anything for whatever record that is. We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us.” You gotta love that type of attitude.
Honorable Mention: Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress, Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels, and New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton
Offensive Player of the first half
Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning
Robo-quarterback (187-of-263, 2,227 yards—second in NFL, 15 TDs, four INTs, and a 109.3 rating) has his team poised for their Week 10 marquee matchup with the New England Patriots. The Colts have a record of 7-0 and have won a franchise record 16 straight games going back to 2008.
The three-time MVP (may soon be four) has thrown for over 300 yards in all but one of the Colts’ seven wins and has made household names of obscure receivers Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie. With 19 passing yards in Week Nine against the Houston Texans, Manning will become the first player in NFL history with 40,000 passing yards in one decade.
Honorable Mention: Saints QB Drew Brees, Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, and Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew
Defensive Player of the first half
New Orleans Saints Safety Darren Sharper
What an incredible season for this recently turned 34-year-old former free agent pickup from the Vikings. The Saints are undefeated (7-0), and it has been their defense that has led the way—first in the NFL with six turnovers returned for touchdowns.
Sharper looks like he is sure to be selected to his fifth Pro Bowl as he currently boasts stats of 26 TKLS, 0.5 sacks, seven INTs (three for TDs), and 10 passes defensed.
Honorable Mention: Vikings DE Jared Allen, Eagles CB Asante Samuel, and Colts DE Dwight Freeney
Breakout Player of the first half
Cowboys WR Miles Austin
One of the 2009 NFL season’s best stories, Austin, coming from tiny Monmouth (NJ) College, has risen from a special teamer to finally getting his shot this season.
In a Week Six win over the Chiefs, Austin produced 10 catches for a franchise-record 250 yards and two TDs (both 50-yard-plus bombs) while saving the Cowboys’ hides with a 60-yard, tackle-breaking, game-winning TD reception in overtime. Austin then proved the Chiefs game was no fluke in a Week Seven win over the Atlanta Falcons (team-best six catches for 171 yards and two TDs).
Out of nowhere Austin and his eye-popping numbers (26 catches for 563 yards, 21.7 YPC average, and six TDs) have moved former starter Patrick Crayton to the bench—and almost everyone watching the Cowboys would agree that Austin and not disgruntled WR Roy Williams is Tony Romo’s No. 1 pass-catching option.
Honorable Mention: Eagles WR DeSean Jackson, Niners TE Vernon Davis, Texans RB Ryan Moats, Eagles TE Brent Celek, and Broncos DE Elvis Dumervil
Offensive Rookie of the first half
Minnesota Vikings WR/KR Percy Harvin
An explosive player that can beat you a variety of ways (wildcat QB, kickoff returns, in the slot, and out wide), Harvin is one of the main reasons for veteran quarterback Brett Favre’s rebirth. Though not the biggest guy on the field (5'10", 190), this former Gator has game-breaking skills that have made Vikings head coach Brad Childress extremely excited.
Harvin’s incredible numbers truly do show his versatility (28 catches for 369 yards, 13.2 YPC, and three TDs; eight rushes for 39 yards; and 28 kickoff returns for 860 yards, 30.7 YPR, and two TDs, including a magical 101-yard return for a touchdown against the Ravens in Week Six).
Honorable Mention: Denver Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno, Philadelphia Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin, Baltimore Ravens OT Michael Oher, and Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox
Defensive Rookie of the first half
Buffalo Bills Safety Jairus Byrd
We're going to send you the most entertaining NFL articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
0 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete