The Mystery of the Market in the NFL

By Broadside Correspondent Yasin Jama

The 2008 NFL season has officially reached its midway point, and just like the stock market, there are booms and busts all across the board. Teams that have struggled in the past few seasons are finding their way at the top, while the past successful teams may run into the risk of losing their seats as division leaders. The balance of power has shifted.

Bull Market
The AFC East: Last season, the division leader was undefeated in its first eight games, while the worst team in the division struggled to win a game. Coming off a perfect 16-0 season, the New England Patriots continue to put up solid wins without their star quarterback Tom Brady. Backup Matt Cassel has filled in nicely so far this season. The New York Jets continue to play well and win close games due to their running game with Thomas Jones and their play on defense. The Buffalo Bills are in position for their first playoff berth in nine years with wide receiver Lee Evans leading the way. After failing to win a game until Week 15 last season, the Miami Dolphins defeated the Patriots for their first win in 2008 and have kept themselves within reach of the division leader. Quarterback Chad Pennington has been a good fit as the newcomer and linebacker Joey Porter has revived a defense that struggled last season. With many games left to play, no team in the AFC East has a clear path to win the division.

Washington Redskins: The emergence of quarterback Jason Campbell and running back Clinton Portis has made the Redskins a legitimate contender in the NFC. Portis is having the best year of his career by leading the league in rushing yards. Campbell, who threw 11 interceptions last season, has now thrown for only two this season. The defense has played at a high level as well. London Fletcher has re-energized the defense by leading the team in tackles, and emerge himself as one of the best linebackers in the league. With all of their divisional games at home the rest of the way, the Redskins have positioned themselves to make a deep run in the playoffs.

Tennessee Titans: With a fierce defense and a good running game, the Tennessee Titans have quietly become the NFL’s only unbeaten team at 8-0. The team’s performances are not as glamorous as what the Patriots had done last season, but they have been well-represented by two young running backs Chris Johnson and LenDale White. Jeff Fisher is having his best season as head coach since his Super Bowl run in 1999. Almost a decade later, his team is poised to make another Super Bowl run, hopefully without having to make a pit stop at the one-yard line.

Baltimore Ravens: The recent play of rookie quarterback Joe Flacco in the last three games has made the Ravens not only a threat to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North, but a threat to the conference. The Ravens defense has kept them in every game so far due to the leadership of Ray Lewis and Trevor Price. On the offensive side, Derrick Mason leads the team in receiving yards and helped Flacco elevate himself into an elite quarterback in the NFL. The last time a Ravens had a productive quarterback was in 2000 when Trent Dilfer led the team to the Super Bowl in Tampa, Fla. with a victory. The irony is that this season’s Super Bowl will return to Tampa. Maybe the luck of the draw will lie on the Ravens this year.

Bear Market
Seattle Seahawks: Mike Holmgren never had this planned in his final year as head coach. Due to injuries from key playmakers Matt Hasselbeck, Deion Branch, and Koren Robinson, the Seahawks are off to their worst start since 2002. With games against Dallas, Washington, N.Y. Jets, and New England on-hand, it could a long second half for the team and their “12th Man” fans in the Pacific Northwest.

Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys were selected as Super Bowl favorites in preseason and began the 2008 season at 3-0, but has now become a team that is fighting for a playoff spot. The Cowboys will be glad to welcome back Tony Romo as the star quarterback expects to return in Week 11 versus the Redskins. This time around, he will inherit a team that has been sluggish in their last few performances. With the distractions from wide receiver Terrell Owens in recent weeks and the possibility of cornerback Adam Jones not returning from his suspension, the Cowboys may not be able to meet their expectations.

Indianapolis Colts: A 4-4 record is considered mediocre for many teams, but for the Colts it is a step down from their past success. Quarterback Peyton Manning and his squad have not been the powerhouse offense they once were due their injuries in the offensive line and secondary on defense. Safety Bob Sanders returns to rescue the injury-riddled secondary, providing a little bit more confidence to get the team back on track in the second half.

Cleveland Browns: The recent benching of quarterback Derek Anderson signifies the team’s ongoing struggles to meet high expectations. Tight end Kellen Winslow posted three 100-yard games last season, but he achieved that task only once this season. Wide receiver Braylon Edwards is also underperforming after catching 16 touchdowns last year. With a disappointing 3-6 record, the Browns turn to former Notre Dame Irish Brady Quinn to take snaps under center.