Rickomatic
11-10-2005, 12:21 PM
Denver Broncos (6-2)
Grade: A
Remarkably, only one of Denver's first-half opponents has a losing record at this point. And the Broncos have established arguably the NFL's best 1-2 running back punch with Mike Anderson and Tatum Bell. But the development of Jake Plummer has made all the difference. Not only is Plummer making good decisions (only three interceptions), but he's also on the way to nudging his completion percentage above 60 percent.
Second-half improvements: The pass defense is among the league's worst, but a lot of that has to do with a lack of defensive pressure. The Broncos are last in the NFL with only 10 sacks.
Kansas City Chiefs (5-3)
Grade: B-
Four of the Chiefs' five wins have come against teams with losing records, but they're only 1-3 against teams that are .500 or better. Priest Holmes' injury questions are a big concern, but the team wisely continued its development of Larry Johnson through the first eight games. Injury problems with Willie Roaf are still a long-term issue, along with keeping Tony Gonzalez involved in the passing game.
Second-half improvements: The 28th-ranked defense has more talent than ever but hasn't shown vast progress. Injuries to Patrick Surtain and Dexter McCleon won't help.
San Diego Chargers (5-4)
Grade: B-
The four losses by 12 points have been devastating, especially with the tough schedule. Worse yet, Marty Schottenheimer's conservative play-calling has cost the Chargers scoring opportunities at times. LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates have been lights-out. With Shawne Merriman adding some pass-rushing bite to the defense, the Chargers still have room to grow. If anyone could go on a surprising second-half run, it's this team.
Second-half improvements: The front seven needs to continue its latest strides in the pass rush, but the secondary still has to do its part. The cornerbacks haven't made enough big plays, recording only one interception.
Oakland Raiders (3-5)
Grade: C-
Until two of the last three games, the Raiders had yet to pay off on their offensive promise. While Kerry Collins is making better decisions, the offense still isn't consistent enough. The team definitely expected more than seven touchdowns in eight games between Randy Moss and Jerry Porter. On the bright side, LaMont Jordan is earning the fat contract he signed last offseason. Warren Sapp (five sacks) and Derrick Burgess (seven sacks) have energized the defense in spurts.
Second-half improvements: The secondary has recorded one interception this season, and the player who accomplished it (Charles Woodson) is out for the year with a broken leg.
Charles Robinson
Grade: A
Remarkably, only one of Denver's first-half opponents has a losing record at this point. And the Broncos have established arguably the NFL's best 1-2 running back punch with Mike Anderson and Tatum Bell. But the development of Jake Plummer has made all the difference. Not only is Plummer making good decisions (only three interceptions), but he's also on the way to nudging his completion percentage above 60 percent.
Second-half improvements: The pass defense is among the league's worst, but a lot of that has to do with a lack of defensive pressure. The Broncos are last in the NFL with only 10 sacks.
Kansas City Chiefs (5-3)
Grade: B-
Four of the Chiefs' five wins have come against teams with losing records, but they're only 1-3 against teams that are .500 or better. Priest Holmes' injury questions are a big concern, but the team wisely continued its development of Larry Johnson through the first eight games. Injury problems with Willie Roaf are still a long-term issue, along with keeping Tony Gonzalez involved in the passing game.
Second-half improvements: The 28th-ranked defense has more talent than ever but hasn't shown vast progress. Injuries to Patrick Surtain and Dexter McCleon won't help.
San Diego Chargers (5-4)
Grade: B-
The four losses by 12 points have been devastating, especially with the tough schedule. Worse yet, Marty Schottenheimer's conservative play-calling has cost the Chargers scoring opportunities at times. LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates have been lights-out. With Shawne Merriman adding some pass-rushing bite to the defense, the Chargers still have room to grow. If anyone could go on a surprising second-half run, it's this team.
Second-half improvements: The front seven needs to continue its latest strides in the pass rush, but the secondary still has to do its part. The cornerbacks haven't made enough big plays, recording only one interception.
Oakland Raiders (3-5)
Grade: C-
Until two of the last three games, the Raiders had yet to pay off on their offensive promise. While Kerry Collins is making better decisions, the offense still isn't consistent enough. The team definitely expected more than seven touchdowns in eight games between Randy Moss and Jerry Porter. On the bright side, LaMont Jordan is earning the fat contract he signed last offseason. Warren Sapp (five sacks) and Derrick Burgess (seven sacks) have energized the defense in spurts.
Second-half improvements: The secondary has recorded one interception this season, and the player who accomplished it (Charles Woodson) is out for the year with a broken leg.
Charles Robinson