Addressing the State of the Union for Every NFL Team at Midseason

The State of the Union is an annual address presented by the President of the United States to the United States Congress that reports on the condition of the nation.

The State of the Union for NFL teams is very similar—a progress report for how each team is doing at the midway mark of the 2012-13 season.

Some teams have been pleasant surprises, while others have fallen short of lofty expectations.

At midseason all 32 teams have established an identity. Fans basically know what they are going to get from their team on a weekly basis and playoff contenders are beginning to separate themselves from the pretenders.

Let’s take a look at the State of the Union for all 32 NFL teams.

Arizona Cardinals

Record: 4-4

Offense: 31^st (293.4 YPG)

Defense: 6^th (312.1 YPG)

When the Cardinals raced out to a 4-0 record, they were the surprise team of the NFL season. The team’s defense was dominating their opponents and the Cardinals were able to ride their stellar performances to victories.

However, the Cardinals have hit a skid as of late, dropping their last four games in a row. The issues on the offensive side of the ball have begun to pile up and it is costing the Cards.

Injuries have obliterated Arizona’s offensive backfield. Both Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams are on the IR, leaving LaRod Stephens-Howling as the team’s most reliable back.

While bad, the running back situation may not even be the Cardinals biggest problem. The team has been unable to keep a healthy quarterback under center. John Skelton was named the starter coming in to the season, but he was injured in Week 1, forcing head coach Ken Whisenhunt to bring in Kevin Kolb.

Kolb was not playing at a Pro Bowl level, but he was a solid game manager. That is all the Cardinals needed with their defense playing at such a high level.

Right when it seemed like the team was comfortable with Kolb as the signal-caller, he went down with a gruesome rib injury in Week 6 against Buffalo. Skelton was once again the starter.

The quarterback troubles can be traced back to the offensive line. After Levi Brown was lost to injury in the preseason, the Cardinals were forced to start a patchwork line and it has not been pretty. The Cardinals' line has given up 39 sacks in eight games, including 33 in the he last five.

The Cardinals have a championship defense, but the already paltry offense has been decimated by injury. The Cardinals have no running game or offensive line to speak of. Arizona had only seven total rushing yards and Skelton was sacked four times Monday night against the 49ers.

Atlanta Falcons

Record: 7-0

Offense: 13^th (365.7 YPG)

Defense: 20^th (353.3 YPG)

The Falcons are the NFL’s only undefeated team at 7-0. It is the first time the franchise has been perfect at the midway mark in its 47-year history.

Matt Ryan is playing his way onto MVP ballots, but he is getting a lot of help. Roddy White, Julio Jones and the ageless Tony Gonzalez all have over 450 yards and have hauled in a combined 13 touchdown grabs. All three of their yards per reception stand at an impressive 10 yards or above as well.

The running game has not been outstanding, but it has not needed to be. The human bowling ball Michael Turner has only broken the 100-yard mark once this season.

Despite their unscathed record, there still seems to be a lack of respect for the Falcons around the NFL. This probably stems from their poor playoff performances in recent years. Until they win the big games, Ryan and head coach Mike Smith will have to deal with the stubborn critics.

Could the Falcons run the table and end up a perfect 16-0? Probably not, but it is a possibility. Of the team’s eight remaining games, only one game is against an opponent with a winning record (the New York Giants).

The main thing working against the Falcons achieving perfection is that they may lock up a playoff spot by mid-November because the NFC South is having a down year. They are already four games up on the second-place Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Baltimore Ravens

Record: 5-2

Offense: 16^th (355.1 YPG)

Defense: 28^th (400 YPG)

The Ravens are 5-2 and atop the AFC North, but things seem a lot worse in Baltimore.

The team lost Lardarius Webb and Ray Lewis to injury in Week 6 and then got smashed 13-43 at the hands of the Houston Texans in their absence.

This team is not like the Ravens teams of the past. They are the league's most penalized team and are also last in time of possession and first downs allowed.

Ray Rice has been the bright spot for the Ravens on offense. The burrito size  back (h/t Yahoo) is on pace for another 1,000-yard season and continues to be one of the league's best dual threats. Rice has 29 catches this season for 245 yards.

The main question going forward for the Ravens is if they can overcome the injuries to key players. Getting Terrell Suggs back was a big boost, but if teams continue to expose the beat up defense and put up 30-plus points, the Ravens will not be able to keep up.

The Ravens have matchups with Cleveland and Oakland the next two weeks, so hopefully those games will serve as a chance to get back on track before hitting a tough patch of games to conclude the season.

Buffalo Bills

Record: 3-4

Offense: 19^{th (349 YPG)}

Defense: 31^st (424.1 YPG)

At 3-4 the Bills are not completely out of the playoff picture due to a down year in the AFC East. However, the Bills have to play better in the second half of the season if they want to make the playoffs a reality.

The 31^st ranked defense can take a lot of heat for the Bills' struggles. Mario Williams is not looking anywhere near the price tag the team paid for him in the offseason and the unit has allowed 35-plus points in four games.

It is not all bad in Buffalo though. The team is beginning to get solid production out of their younger players. C.J. Spiller is a solid No. 1 option in the running game and fourth-year safety Jarius Byrd has been a stud on the defensive side of the ball.

It is hard to say the Bills have been anything above average this year. They have won the games against inferior opponents like Kansas City and Cleveland, but have looked like a Pop Warner squad against the better teams in the league.

The Bills had a bye in Week 8 and hopefully they enjoyed the time off, because the next two weeks will be rough. The team travels to Houston and New England in consecutive weeks.

Carolina Panthers

Record: 1-6

Offense: 20^th (347 YPG)

Defense: 15^th (343.9 YPG)

The Panthers' record does not tell the story of their season. The team’s last four losses have come by a combined 12 points. Really, they are only a few plays away from being a 5-2 team.

However, the team has had its struggles. Cam Newton has not looked like the player he was his rookie season and has acted immature after losses. Newton has thrown eight interceptions to only five touchdowns this season.

On top of that, the running game has been non-existent. DeAngelo Williams leads the team in carries with 61, but has only amassed 210 yards and two touchdowns. Reports came out Sunday (h/t ESPN) that the seventh-year back was on the trading block.  

Newton is the team’s leading rusher with 310 yards.

It is nearly impossible that the Panthers turn things around and make the playoffs. The team is already six games behind division leader Atlanta. It looks like the only race the Panthers will be involved in come the end of the season is for the No. 1 pick in April’s draft.

Chicago Bears

Record: 6-1

Offense: 26^th (319 YPG)

Defense: 7^th (316 YPG)

The Bears are one of the NFL’s more interesting teams. They have a great record at 6-1, but have not been without their issues.

Quarterback Jay Cutler has been inconsistent and he has had some questionable behavior this season. This was headlined by him pushing one of his offensive linemen after ripping into him on the sideline.

Reuniting Cutler with Brandon Marshall has helped out on offense tremendously this year. Marshall is the team’s only threat in the receiving corps. He has more than twice the amount of catches than any other receiver on the Bears roster, with 50, and his 675-yard total is by far a team-best.

Rookie Alshon Jeffery was a solid No. 2 option, but he has missed the last two games with a hand injury.

The defense has been where the Bears shine. Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs are beating up the opposition’s offenses and Tim Jennings leads the NFL in interceptions, with six.

In the tough NFC North, the Bears will have to keep up their solid play. Both the Packers and Vikings are close behind them for the division lead and consecutive losses could be devastating to the Bears’ playoff aspirations.

After Week 9, the Bears only face one opponent with a losing record, and that is division rival Detroit.

Cincinnati Bengals

Record: 3-4

Offense: 17^th (354 YPG)

Defense 21^st (356.1 YPG)

The Bengals are in a slump and they need to break out of it—quick. After winning three in a row, the team dropped their last three games before their Week 8 bye.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis has done a decent job taking over the starting running back role from the departed Cedric Benson, but the Bengals rely more on the arm of Andy Dalton than BGE’s legs.

Dalton’s performance thus far has been a mixed bag. He has thrown for over 300 yards in three games this season, but has thrown at least one interception in every game.

What has helped Dalton the most is AJ Green. The second-year receiver already has 636 yards and seven touchdowns. Green is definitely making a run at knocking off Calvin Johnson as the NFL’s best receiver.

On defense, rookie Vontaze Burfict has made the most of his opportunities. The Arizona State product is the Bengals' best linebacker and is playing with a chip on his shoulder after being undrafted.

The Bengals have the talent of a playoff team, but will have to turn things around quick if they want a spot in the postseason.

Cleveland Browns

Record: 2-6

Offense: 29^th (314 YPG)

Defense: 26^th (392.4 YPG)

The Browns continue to dwell in the basement of the AFC North, but they are getting better. Sunday the Browns knocked off the Chargers 7-6.

In that win, rookie running back Trent Richardson had his best performance as a pro, running for 122 yards and a touchdown.

Brandon Weeden’s career got off to a rocky start with a 118-yard, four-interception performance, but he has since recovered—somewhat. He has kept the turnovers down, only throwing six interceptions since Week 1, but still has not been the difference-maker a franchise quarterback should be. His 55.2 completion percentage is tied for second-worst in the NFL.

The Browns' defense, which had allowed 27.1 points in its first six games, has now given up just three field goals in its past six quarters. The young guns are standing out on the defensive side of the ball as well. Billy Winn, John Hughes and James-Michael Johnson have all stepped in and played great.

It is very rare for an all-rookie backfield to do well. Things are not likely going to turn around this year for the Browns, but the team can build off the little things for next year. Weeden and Richardson will have a full year under their belts and competing in the tough AFC North will be more of a reality.

Dallas Cowboys

Record: 3-4

Offense: 7^th (383.3 YPG)

Defense: 4^th (292.4 YPG)

Things are starting to slip away for Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys. The issues within the organization came to a head Sunday, when Romo threw three interceptions in the first 16 minutes of the game and got hit with a spattering of boos from the home crowd.

Despite the early slump the Cowboys were still in position to win late. Dez Bryant went up for a huge catch in the end zone with under 30 seconds left, but his hand came down just out of bounds.

Romo has been a problem. He leads the NFL in interceptions with 13 and has been ineffective for most of the season.

Jason Garrett may also be on his way out the door if the team does not turn things around. However, that would mean that owner Jerry Jones would have to admit he was wrong on Garrett’s potential as a head coach.

Losing leading tackler Sean Lee was a big hit, but the defense still has talent at nearly every position. However, there is a severe lack of depth.

The blame can go in several directions—Romo, Garrett and Jones can all garner some of it—but I think after 16 years of mediocrity I think one thing has becoming very apparent. Jerry Jones needs to take a step back and let someone else run his franchise.

Denver Broncos

Record: 4-3

Offense: 3^rd (405.4 YPG)

Defense: 8^th (319.3 YPG)

One of the biggest and riskiest signings of free agency, possibly ever, is paying off big for John Elway and the Denver Broncos.

After missing a full year of action due to multiple neck surgeries, Peyton Manning is back and looking better than ever. The future Hall of Famer has 17 touchdowns to only four interceptions—three that came in one quarter of the Broncos Week 2 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons.

In 27 quarters Manning has only one interception. At the midway point the Denver QB is my pick for NFL MVP.

Manning may have one of the best surrounding casts he has ever had. Third-year wide receiver Demaryius Thomas is playing at a Pro Bowl level and Willis McGahee is on pace for back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.

Having former Colts teammates Jacob Tamme and Brandon Stokley has helped too. Manning has linked up with the duo for a combined 47 catches for 470 yards and four touchdowns.

Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil have continued to give quarterbacks headaches, combining for 11 sacks already this season. Wesley Woodyard has also emerged as a star on defense. The Kentucky product leads the Broncos in tackles, with 42, along with three sacks and two interceptions.

The Chargers and Raiders are only one game behind the Broncos, but the gap feels like much more than that. A matchup with a depleted Baltimore Ravens team in Week 15 is the only game left on the Broncos schedule against a team with a winning record. If Manning can stay healthy and continue his MVP-caliber play, the Broncos will be making a deep playoff run.

Detroit Lions

Record: 3-4

Offense: 2^nd (407.6 YPG)

Defense: 9^th (326.4 YPG)

The Lions got their biggest win of the season this Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. A 3-4 record keeps them in the hunt in the tough NFC North, but the playoffs still seem like a long shot.

Quarterback Matt Stafford played his first full year in 2011 and his health will be key going forward in 2012. Stafford has already given Lions fans a few scares this year but has not missed a game as of yet.

Stafford’s main weapon has been Calvin Johnson, but he has not been able to find Johnson for a touchdown pass this season. Johnson is still the league's best receiver, but the lack of weapons on the outside and in the running game is allowing teams to double-team “Megatron” every play.

The running back situation has been plain bad. Jahvid Best may never to the field after his issues with concussions and the Lions do not have their back of the future on the roster right now. Mikel Leshoure, Kevin Smith and Joique Bell have carried the ball for the Lions this year and none of them have over a 4.0 yards per carry average or more than a single touchdown.

Half of the Lions remaining games are against divisional opponents, leaving the door open for a possible playoff run. The run defense is still absent, but the team may be able to ride the momentum from their ugly Week 8 win into their remaining games.

Green Bay Packers

Record: 5-3

Offense: 21^st (344.6 YPG)

Defense: 13^th (342.1 YPG)

When the Packers were 2-3 and had just lost to Andrew Luck and the Colts, many people wrote them off. Now they are 5-3 and are nipping at the heels of the Chicago Bears for the NFC North lead.

The Packers barely managed to squeak out a win against a Maurice Jones-Drew-less Jacksonville team, but they were missing both Jordy Nelson and Greg Jennings.

Aaron Rodgers has returned to his MVP form. He has thrown for 2,165 yards and 21 touchdowns to only four interceptions this season.

Randall Cobb leads the team in catches with 42, while James Jones has already tied his career high in touchdown grabs with seven.

Outside linebacker Clay Matthews is on pace for a career high in sacks with nine at the halfway mark and has led a solid defensive unit.

The injuries have taken their toll on Green Bay, but the team should have sufficient depth to overcome them. The Packers will have to knock off the Bears and stave off the Vikings if they hope to take home the division crown, so it won’t be easy.

However, Rodgers and co. have been in situations similar to this before (see: 2010 Packers). Expect to see the Packers in the mix come playoff time.

Houston Texans

Record: 6-1

Offense: 9^th (373 YPG)

Defense: 3^rd (282 YPG)

The Texans bounced back from a disappointing performance in their first loss of the season by pounding a tough Ravens team 43-13 before going into their bye week. The win secured their spot as the best team in the AFC and demonstrated resiliency—something every elite team needs to have.

J.J. Watt has emerged as the leading candidate for the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year. Watt has 10 passes he's defended this season and the second-year defender leads the league in sacks with 9.5.

The Texans offense has steadily dismantled defenses with a balanced attack. Arian Foster ranks fifth in the NFL with 659 rushing yards and his nine touchdowns are an NFL-best.

Matt Schaub has bounced back from a Lisfranc injury that ended his season last year. Schaub and top target Andre Johnson are keeping opponents from stacking the box against Foster, combining for 444 yards and two touchdowns this season.

At 6-1 the Texans are primed for a deep playoff run, but the Colts are making it interesting in the AFC South.

Week 14 will be a major test for the Texans as they travel east to visit the New England Patriots. It could be a preview of the AFC Championship game.

Indianapolis Colts

Record: 4-3

Offense: 8^th (374 YPG)

Defense: 19^th (350 YPG)

A lot has changed in Indianapolis over the last year.

They said goodbye to the Peyton Manning era and brought in first overall pick Andrew Luck to replace him. Head coach Chuck Pagano made his debut with the team, but was then diagnosed with leukemia on Sept. 26, forcing him to temporarily step aside.

Despite these huge changes, the Colts already have three more wins than they did all of last season. Albeit, they only had one win in 2011, but still an impressive feat.

Luck is the real deal. While he has made some rookie mistakes, he has done things that 95 percent of rookies could not do. This was showcased in the Colts’ big overtime win against the Titans Sunday.

The Colts organization has to feel good going forward. The franchise could have looked very bad after letting Manning go, but Luck’s great play has minimized any criticism of the move. At 4-3, a playoff berth is in the realm of possibilities this year, especially in a parity filled year in the AFC.

The Colts will be a contender for years to come with Pagano at the helm and Luck under center. They can now concentrate on drafting well and building around their core.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Record: 1-6

Offense: 32^nd (250.9 YPG)

Defense: 25^th (387 YPG)

The season started off rocky for the Jaguars. The team’s most talented player, Maurice Jones-Drew, was holding out for a new contract and new owner Shahid Khan was not making the situation any easier, telling MJD that the “train was leaving.”

MJD would end his holdout before Week 1, but now the team is without him again after he exited the Jaguars Week 7 game with a sprained foot.

The Jaguars rank dead last in every major offensive category except rushing yards. The Jags 86.9 yards per game is 28^th in the NFL.

You have to wonder how long first-year head coach Mike Mularkey and Gene Smith will have jobs. It is unlikely that either Blaine Gabbert or Chad Henne are the future at quarterback and first-round pick Justin Blackmon’s production has suffered because of the lack of a passing game. Second-year wide receiver Cecil Shorts leads the Jaguars in receiving with 400 yards, 20 catches and three touchdowns.

The defense has a decent amount of talent in Tyson Alualu, Paul Posluszny and Aaron Ross, but an inability to pressure the passer consistently or cause turnovers has hurt the Jaguars.

It is a lost season for the Jaguars and there will likely be sweeping changes at the conclusion of the year.

Kansas City Chiefs

Record: 1-6

Offense: 12^th (367.3 YPG)

Defense: 18^th (348.7 YPG)

The Chiefs are in full free-fall mode. The struggling team has shockingly not led a game in regulation this year.

The season can be summed up in one play. As starting quarterback Matt Cassel laying writhing on the ground in pain, cheers began to fill Arrowhead Stadium. Did fans really think Brady Quinn would turn the offense around? That proved not to be true.

Jamaal Charles has been the only bright spot in the offense, but Sunday he was limited to only five carries for four yards and head coach Romeo Crennel has no idea why (h/t SB Nation).

The Chiefs' ranks can be deceiving. While they rank 12^th in total offense yardage, they are 30^th in scoring offense with 17.1 PPG. Kansas City also leads the league in giveaways.

Second-year OLB Justin Houston is playing well on the defensive side of the ball, totaling six sacks, but he is getting little help from his teammates.

It looks like Romeo Crennel has lost his team. Limiting your best playmaker to only five carries is beyond questionable. The only thing that seems certain in Kansas City is a high draft pick in 2013.

Miami Dolphins

Record: 4-3

Offense: 23^rd  (327.9 YPG)

Defense: 22^nd (363 YPG)

The Dolphins 30-9 dismantling of the Jets is a testament to how far the team has come under first-year head coach Joe Philbin.

After losing three of their first four games this season, the Dolphins have won three in a row. In those three losses, two were decided in overtime.

The offense has not been spectacular, but they have done enough to win games.

Rookie Ryan Tannehill has only four touchdowns to six interceptions, but has made plays when needed to.

In a receiving corps with little depth, University of Hawaii product Davone Bess and Brian Hartline have carried the load. Both have over 30 receptions and have combined for over 900 yards.

Reggie Bush came into the season on fire, totaling more than 300 total yards in his first two games, but has since been bottled up by opponents.

Cameron Wake has been an unstoppable force rushing the passer. Wake is on pace for his best season as a pro, totaling 23 tackles and 7.5 sacks at the halfway mark.

While the defense ranks 23^rd in yards allowed per game, they are keeping their opponents off the scoreboard. The Dolphins are limiting their opponents to 18 PPG, fifth best in the NFL.

Tannehill left Sunday’s game with a bone bruise to his left knee, but if he misses time the Dolphins have a capable backup in Matt Moore.

Philbin and the Dolphins are doing big things in the AFC East. The debacle that was the Chad Johnson signing and subsequent release are far behind them. Look for the Dolphins to make some noise in the playoff picture this year.

Minnesota Vikings

Record: 5-3

Offense: 22^nd (339 YPG)

Defense: 11^th (331.8 YPG)

The story of the year in Minnesota has been how quickly Adrian Peterson has bounced back from knee surgery. Peterson already has 775 yards and four touchdowns at the halfway mark—quite the accomplishment considering the Vikings were not sure if he would be ready for the start of the season.

While Peterson has carried most of the load, Percy Harvin has been the Vikings’ Swiss Army Knife. Harvin has carried the ball 18 times for 72 yards and a touchdown, caught 60 passes for 667 yards and three touchdowns, and returned 15 kickoffs for 535 yards and a touchdown. There may not be a player in the NFL who has done as much for their team.

Second-year quarterback Christian Ponder got off to a great start, not throwing an interception in his first four games, but his play in recent weeks has been a cause for some concern.

Should the Vikings hit the panic button and sit Ponder—no way. However, Ponder does need to pick up his play.

The Vikings defense has played at an elite level, led by Jared Allen’s seven sacks. Losing Chris Cook to a broken arm was a big blow though. The defense has better depth than in years past, but have to compete against the likes of Jay Cutler, Matt Stafford and Aaron Rodgers in the coming weeks.

If the Vikings are going to continue their success in the second half of the season, they need to rely on their running game and stingy defense. The NFC North is one of the toughest divisions in football, but the Vikings have the talent to compete.

New England Patriots

Record: 5-3

Offense: 1^st (440.8 YPG)

Defense: 23^rd (369.8 YPG)

The rumors of the New England Patriots' demise were greatly over exaggerated after their close Week 7 win against the Jets.

The Patriots came out with a vengeance against the Rams in Week 8, pounding them 45-7.

As long as Tom Brady is under center, the Patriots will be among the league's elite teams. They rank first in yards and points scored and have the NFL’s fifth ranked running game—a dimension they have not had in quite some time.

The Patriots' young defense has also picked up their play. Chandler Jones, brother of UFC superstar Jon Jones, is having a brilliant rookie year. Jones already has six sacks.

Second-round pick Tavon Wilson has also played well. Wilson leads all Patriot defenders with three interceptions.

The Patriots will be the biggest threat to the Houston Texans in the AFC. New England’s weapons overwhelm defenses and their 30 touchdowns are an NFL high.

This may be the most complete New England team we have seen in some time. Yes, they have three losses, but Bill Belichick has the team's sights set on the postseason.

New Orleans Saints

Record: 2-5

Offense: 5^th (388.6 YPG)

Defense: 32^nd (474.7 YPG)

All the blame for the Saints bad season thus far cannot be placed on Bountygate, but you have to think it was a major factor. No head coach and turmoil for most of the offseason is something few teams could overcome.

The Saints have the league's worst defense. Even their high-powered, Drew Brees-led offense cannot keep up with the nearly 31 points they are allowing per game.

Brees has done all he can. The veteran quarterback has 2,310 yards and 20 touchdowns this season. Usually, that would be enough to propel your team to win, but the defense is that bad.

I would love to say that the Saints are going to have a great second half of the season—but they won’t. Things do not get any easier. They still have to face the Falcons (twice), Giants and 49ers. The Saints will be lucky to finish as a .500 team this year.

New York Giants

Record: 6-2

Offense: 4^th (396.8 YPG)

Defense: 24^th (386.5 YPG)

Lucky or not, the Giants are 6-2 and sit atop the NFC East.

The Giants were inches away  from getting swept by the Cowboys Sunday, but they will take their second close division win in as many weeks.

Eli Manning has continued to play at an elite level and has to be mentioned as a top-five quarterback. He has made the plays when it matters and has been the catalyst in the Giants wins.

Manning has been able to spread the ball around. Victor Cruz has proven he was not a one hit wonder, totaling 650 yards and seven touchdowns at the halfway mark. Former Cowboy tight end Martellus Bennett is having a career year and has proven to be the pickup of the offseason for the Giants.

The defense has given opposing quarterbacks fits with their pass rushing and ability to cause turnovers. The Giants have 16 interceptions this season and are tied for the NFL lead in turnover ratio at plus-13.

Stevie Brown, who has made the most out of his opportunity starting for the injured Kenny Phillips, leads the team with five interceptions.

The Giants have all the tools necessary to compete for a second consecutive Super Bowl. Their Week 15 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons may be a preview of the NFC championship game.

New York Jets

Record: 3-5

Offense: 27^th (317.4 YPG)

Defense: 16^th (347 YPG)

The Jets have continued to be a circus (h/t NFL.com), but one without many attractions.

In a span of nine days the Jets lost their best player on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.

The team’s best offensive player, Santonio Holmes, was lost for the year with a Lisfranc injury and Darrelle Revis was lost to a torn ACL.

With Holmes gone, Jeremy Kerley became the team’s No. 1 option in the passing game—bad news for the often-criticized Mark Sanchez. Sanchez has played bad, but he is not the team’s only problem.

Outside of the Week 6 explosion, the running game has been unable to gain any traction.

The defense has been good, but it's allowing 25 points per game—hardly what we expect from a Rex Ryan defense.

Then there is the issue of Tim Tebow. Tebow brought the circus with him to town when he was traded to the Jets in the offseason, but so far his highlight of the season was when he ran through the rain in training camp shirtless.

It will be dissected ruthlessly whether or not the Jets should start Tebow after the bye week. I say, go for it. Tebow can do more with less and I think it has become apparent that Sanchez is not the future.

Rex is on the hot seat as well. The Jets have a very favorable second-half schedule, so they may be able to sneak into the playoffs due to a down year in the AFC. However, if they do not, the polarizing coach may be on his way out.

Oakland Raiders

Record: 3-4

Offense: 18^th (349.1 YPG)

Defense: 17^th (348.6 YPG)

Just two weeks ago the Raiders were 1-4 and it looked like the same ol’ thing in Oakland.

However, wins in back-to-back weeks have the Raiders only one game out of the division lead. How much stock to put in wins against Jacksonville and Kansas City is debatable, but nonetheless, the Raiders are finding a way to win.

The Raiders shifted into no-huddle mode to score a pair of second-half touchdowns and a field goal in Sunday's overtime win over the Jaguars. Offensive coordinator Greg Knapp is under fire for his play-calling, so the no-huddle could be the answer. Carson Palmer is a very cerebral quarterback and called his own plays during his time in Cincinnati.

Darren McFadden is among the best backs in the league—when healthy. When DMC breaks 100 yards, the Raiders are 2-0. The running game needs to improve if the Raiders want to have a successful second half, but there is no Michael Bush this year. McFadden will have to do it alone.

The Raiders will have to contend with the Denver Broncos the AFC West crown. While the Raiders are within striking distance, the Broncos look like the much superior team in the division, especially in their 37-6 stomping of the Raiders in Week 4.

Philadelphia Eagles

Record: 3-4

Offense: 14^th (363.4 YPG)

Defense: 12^th (339.6 YPG)

It seems like change is imminent in Philadelphia. It started with Juan Castillo last week, will probably lead to Michael Vick sitting in the coming weeks and ultimately end with the firing of Andy Reid.

The Eagles look uninspired. An offense littered with deep threat weapons and an All-Pro running back has been mediocre, at best. The defense cannot get to the quarterback, totaling only one sack in the last four weeks. J.J. Watt and Clay Matthews each have just as many sacks as the entire Eagles defense.

Nick Foles is not the answer.  While Vick has not played at his usual level, he has not been the reason the team is losing. With a shoddy offensive line, Foles would get hammered and forced into bad decisions.

You need a mobile quarterback with a bad offensive line and Foles is the antithesis of this. The former Arizona Wildcats quarterback ran a 5.14, 40-yard dash at the combine (h/t Arizona Daily Star).

It is becoming easier to see that Reid’s long-time reign as the play-caller in Philly is over. Outside of a miracle second half run by the Eagles, a new era will begin next season in the City of Brotherly Love.

Pittsburg Steelers

Pittsburg Steelers

Record: 4-3

Offense: 11^{th  (}369.9 YPG)

Defense: 2^nd (274.1 YPG)

The Steelers got their first back-to-back wins this season when they beat the Washington Redskins 27-12 Sunday.

Jonathan Dwyer relived some of the pressure on quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, rushing for 107 yards on 17 carries. It was his second game of 100 yards or more in as many weeks. If Rashard Mendenhall is ever healthy, the Steelers will have a potent backfield combo.

Before the emergence of Dwyer, Roethlisberger was carrying the offense. He had not thrown the ball less than 31 times in a game and went over 40 attempts in three games.

The Steelers' second-ranked defense is what we have come to expect from the yellow and black, and they are doing it with All-Pro Troy Polamalu. At home the Steelers have not allowed more than 14 points and only four total touchdowns—all through the air. They are literally “protecting their house.”

The Steelers face the AFC North leading Ravens twice (Weeks 11 and 13) in a three week span during the second half of the season. The division will most likely be decided in those games.

If they do not come out on top in the division, the Steelers will likely gain one of the AFC’s wild card berths. Finding balance in their offensive game will do wonders in the second half of the season.

San Diego Chargers

Record: 3-4

Offense: 25th (320.9 YPG)

Defense: 10th (326.6 YPG)

Ever notice that the letters in Norv Turner can be rearranged to spell turnover? A full turnover is what is needed in San Diego.

The Chargers started the season 2-0, but the wheels have fallen off since.

San Diego got blown out by the Falcons in Week 3, gave the Saints their first win of the season in Week 5, had a debacle for the ages on Monday Night Football against Peyton Manning and the Broncos in Week 6 and then lost to the Cleveland Browns 6-7 in Week 8.

Philip Rivers has followed up his career-high 20-interception season last year with even more discouraging performances. His interceptions have been costly too, most notably in the team's MNF loss to the Broncos. Rivers had secured a spot among the elite quarterbacks after his first five years in the league, but lately hasn’t looked like a viable No. 1 option.

Rivers is not all to blame for the offenses struggles though. Ryan Matthews has not looked good and has been plagued with injuries. The third-year back has only 354 yards and one touchdown this season.

The Chargers defense is being overshadowed by the offense's struggles.They rank second in rushing yard allowed and are a top-10 defense in both points and yard allowed per game. Safety Eric Weddle has been the team's best defensive player with 39 tackels, two forced fumbles and two interceptions.

General manager A.J. Smith may be most to blame for the team’s struggles. He has let the team’s depth erode and almost every player who has become a free agent in recent years has left town.

The AFC West is a very winnable division, but I wouldn’t put my money on the Chargers to be on top at the end of Week 17. The team has no mental toughness and cannot play big when it matters the most.

San Francisco 49ers

Record: 5-2

Offense: 11th (369 YPG)

Defense: 1st ( 271.4 YPG)

The 49ers' Monday Night Football dismantling of the Arizona Cardinals was impressive. Alex Smith was nearly perfect, missing only one pass, and the 49ers defense chased around poor John Skelton all night.

However, despite the big victory over a division opponent, the 49ers still have questions to answer. Their home loss to the New York Giants two weeks ago and their pounding at the hands of the Vikings in Week 3 still echoes.

Their defense is the best in the league—that much is obvious. NaVorro Bowman and Patrick Willis are two of the best inside linebackers in the league and Aldon Smith is an elite pass-rusher.

Coupled with the league's best rushing attack, (168.6 YPG) the defense is able to come onto the field rested and dismantle opponents.

Frank Gore is on pace for the best season of his eight-year NFL career and Kendall Hunter is a great complementary back. Even second-year mobile quarterback Colin Kaepernick has added a wrinkle in the offense, rushing for 111 yards on 13 attempts.

Jim Harbaugh has changed the culture in San Francisco and the team is among the NFL’s elite. However, it only takes one bad game in the playoffs to end your season. Their two blowout losses should be a cause of concern, but going into their Week 9 bye the 49ers should be happy with their performance so far.

Seattle Seahawks

Record: 4-4

Offense: 30^th (303 YPG)

Defense: 5^th (312 YPG)

Seattle has been one of the surprise teams of the 2012 season, despite their 4-4 record.

The defense has emerged as one of the NFL’s elite units and they mirror their head coach Pete Carrol’s sideline swagger. Just look up Richard Sherman ‘s tweet to Tom Brady after the Seahawks’ 24-23 win over the Patriots in Week 6 (the infamous "U mad bro" tweet has been deleted).

"

Brady sure looks like a man who turned the 12thMan against us twitter.com/RSherman_25/st…

— Optimus Prime (@RSherman_25) October 15, 2012"

It is hard to make sense of the Seahawks. They have notable wins against the Cowboys, Packers and Patriots, but have an 0-3 record in the NFC West and have won only once on the road this season in five tries. 

Rookie quarterback Russell Wilson has continued to gain experience as he assumes the starting role, but the passing attack is the second worst in the NFL.

Marshawn Lynch has proved to be as beastly as advertised. The sixth-year back is the second-leading rusher in the NFL and has carried the struggling offense.

Outside of the Seahawks' stellar secondary, Bruce Irvin and Chris Clemons have been the difference-makers. The duo have 11.5 combined sacks.

The Seahawks are going in the right direction, but their inconsistent play may keep them from making the playoffs. The team’s win against the Packers and Patriots prove they can compete with the NFL’s elite, but not on a consistent basis. Seattle is the seventh-youngest team in the league  and should be able to keep their excellent core of youthful playmakers together for years to come.

St. Louis Rams

Record: 3-5

Offense: 28^th (316.5 YPG)

Defense: 14^th (343 YPG)

The Rams are coming off a 45-7 loss to the Patriots in London, but there should still be a lot of hope for the future as the Jeff Fisher led team moves forward. The team should hang their hats on big wins this season against Seattle, Arizona and Washington.

The offense has not been great. Sam Bradford has been inconsistent throwing the ball and Steven Jackson has done little on the ground. Jackson has not gone over 100 yards this season and it looks like he will not be breaking the 1,000-yard mark for the first time since his rookie year.

The three-time Pro Bowl player is the franchise's career leading rusher, but he may be on his way out of town. Jackson and the Rams have been unable to come to terms on a new deal, leading to speculation that he may be trade bait at the deadline (h/t ESPN).

Cortland Finnegan was the team’s top free-agent acquisition this offseason. He leads the Rams with three interceptions and is second on the team in tackles with 52. He also provides veteran leadership and the ability to frustrate team’s No. 1 receivers.

Like the Seahawks, it looks like the Rams are going in the right direction but the playoffs will not be in the cards this year—especially with a tough second-half schedule. The team needs to fill obvious holes at wide receiver and along the offensive line before they climb out of the basement of the NFC.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Record: 3-4

Offense: 15th (356.6 YPG)

Defense: 27th (394.7YPG)

The Buccaneers are coming off an impressive 36-17 victory against the Vikings where the team was hitting on all cylinders. While they looked good in their Week 8 matchup, things have been far from perfect this season.

The Bucs defense is allowing the second most passing yards per game and cornerback Eric Wright now faces a potential four-game suspension for Adderall use. If Wright misses Sunday's game against the Raiders a combination of Brandon McDonald and Myron Lewis will be asked to step up.

Josh Freeman seems to have really hit his stride after the bye week and is the quarterback of the future for the Bucs. Freeman has nine touchdowns to only one interception through the last three weeks and also threw for a career-high 420 yards in Week 7.

Doug Martin may be the most important player for Tampa Bay in the second half of the season. The rookie back exploded for his first 100-yard game of his career against the Vikings and added 79 yards receiving.

The Bucs are second in their division, but still four games behind the undefeated Falcons. The team will likely have to rely on a wild-card spot to get into the playoffs.

Tennessee Titans

Record: 3-5

Offense: 24th (326.6 YPG)

Defense: 30th (421.2 YPG)

The Titans had one of the toughest schedules in the first half of the season, so their 3-5 record is not overly surprising.

Their five losses came to New England, San Diego, Houston, Minnesota and Indianapolis, and they have pulled out big wins against Detroit, Pittsburgh and Buffalo.

On top of their tough slate of games, the Titans have also had to battle through injury, most notably to second-year quarterback Jake Locker, who has been sidelined since Week 4. Hasselbeck has been OK, but is not close to the quarterback he was with the Seahawks from 2001-2010.

Chris Johnson is back after a very slow start. Johnson had only 45 rushing yards before exploding for 141 yards in a Week 4 loss at Houston. Johnson had another few slow weeks before exploding again in Week 7 for 195 yards and two touchdowns.

The Titans are surrendering 32.1 PPG, second-worst in the NFL. That total is a big increase over the 2011 season-ending average of 19.8, which was eighth-best in the league. Defensive coordinator Jerry Gray is fighting for his job and needs to improve the play-calling on defense.

I do not see the Titans being a playoff team this year. Injuries and a poor defense won't allow it. However, things may get interesting around the trade deadline. Tight end Jared Cook told the team he wants to be traded on Monday (h/t CBS Sports).

Washington Redskins

Record: 3-5

Offense: 6th (387.4 YPG)

Defense: 29th (406.4 YPG)

Robert Griffin III is doing everything right in his rookie year.

He is a dynamic player, both through the air and on the ground, and knows what to say. He selflessly takes the blame when his team plays bad and is a born leader.

If no one told you this kid was a rookie, there would be no reason to think he is. RGIII has 1,778 yards through the air and has added 476 yards on the ground. He also has 11 total touchdowns.

RGIII is not the only rookie in D.C. that is impressing. Alfed Morris has racked up 717 yards in his rookie year and he has found the end zone five times.

Week 8 against the Steelers was the first time the Redskins lost by more than a touchdown this year. Quite the accomplishment considering their defense ranks dead last in passing yards allowed and 28th in points allowed.

Linebacker Brian Orakpo was lost for the season with a torn left pectoral muscle, but while his presence has been missed, it would not help Washington's pass defense.

RGIII makes the Redskins relevant again, but it will take time for Mike Shanahan and the Skins to turn things completely around—the team was just 5-11 last year.