Well folks, we're at the halfway point of the season and the Titans are 8-0 and aside from a couple injuries, all is well in TitanTown. Now onto the awards.
Offense:
Quarterbacks
Well if you had told me that at the halfway point of the season, that Kerry Collins would have started seven of the Titans eight games and the Titans would be undefeated, I would have had you committed. Yet here we are. Collins has done everything the Titans have asked and then maybe more. While he hasn't been spectacular, he hasn't hurt us either and has managed the team well.
Grade: B-
Running Backs
Oh what can I say about Smash and Dash that hasn't already been said. They've been the rock of our offense and Chris Johnson is a stud and LenDale White leads the league in touchdowns. I doubted Mike Reinfeldt when we first took CJ but boy was I wrong. The kid has a bright future and is certainly in the discussion for the Rookie of the Year award.
Grade: A
Tight Ends
Is Alge Crumpler alive? No, seriously. Is there a missing persons bulletin out there or has anyone contacted his family? Sometimes I honestly forget he's on the team. Crumpler has 13 grabs for 134 yards and a touchdown. On the other hand, Bo Scaife has emerged as one of Kerry's favorite targets and has 32 grabs for 344 yards and a touchdown. Bo's been a reliable safety valve for the offense, which this team needs with the WR corps that it has.
Grade: B
Wide Receivers
*sigh*. Same story, different year for the Titans WR's. They stink (I'm looking at you Justin Gage). Gage has dropped a ton of passes this year, McCareins can't seperate from anyone but on the other hand, after many years of suck, Brandon Jones is starting to come around and make a few plays, so maybe not all is lost for B. Jones.
Grade: D
Offensive Line
Four sacks allowed all season long from the big boys up front, which is impressive for any team, especially with one as immobile as Collins. They've been doing a great job up front and Roos and Stewart are already proving that Reinfeldt was wise to lock those guys up for a long time.
Grade: A
Defense:
Secondary
Who would have thunk it that without Pacman Jones the Titans secondary would be this good? Cortland Finnegan is an emerging stud in this league and Chris Hope and Michael Griffin are a great duo at the safety postion. Nick Harper is a reliable guy for the most part, but he'll still have his off days from time to time.
Grade: A
Linebackers
The unsung heroes of the defense, Keith Bulluck and David Thornton have played very well this season and seem to make a big play when we need one. Stephen Tulloch has strugged at times in coverage but he's a sure tackler and it never hurt to have one on your team. Ryan Fowler is also having one heck of a year. Not much I can say bad about anyone on this defense to be honest.
Grade: A-
Defensive Line
Ah yes, the big bruisers on our team. Albert Haynesworth has had yet another stellar season, proving that the Titans do need to lock this guy up long term in the offseason. He's earned his money, let him have it. Tony Brown has also pitched in with 3.5 sacks to go along with Haynesworth's six. Vanden Bosch has been dinged up this season and it's clearly affected his play, here's to hoping he gets healthy soon. Kearse has been nothing special and I didn't expect much from Jevon this season.
Grade: A-
Special Teams
Rob Bironas has been Rob Bironas, although his two missed kicks in two games is something to keep your eye on. Hentrich is still Hentrich although I've seen more poor punts than in the past from Craig. What really concerns me is the kick and punt return coverage units. Chris Carr has been a valuable pickup on kick returns but he's pretty bad at returning punts (I miss you Pac). They've been horrible this year and I think at some point they're going to hurt us big time.
Grade: B-
Awards Predictions
MVP: Kurt Warner
Rookie of the Year: Matt Ryan
Defensive Player of the Year: Albert Haynesworth
Comeback Player of the Year: Kurt Warner
Coach of the Year: Tony Sparano
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