NFL Awards for the Month of September

A Quarter of the way through the NFL season so what does that mean? Well it becomes much easier to evaluate the contenders from the pretenders, futures that seem bright compared to those not quite right and teams that are playing pretty while others, let’s just say look shitty.
Most Impressive Team- Tennessee Titans
This is a tough one as many teams have risen above expectations. Nobody honestly could have thought your undefeated teams heading into week 5 of the NFL season would be the Titans, Bills, and Giants. {Ok maybe the super bowl champs you could have} The edge has to be given to the Titans slightly because what they have done so far has been with a backup quarterback in journeyman Kerry Collins. Yes he did take the Giants to the super bowl, but to be this good without your starting quarterback is pretty remarkable. Throw in a great defense, a touchdown machine in LenDale White {5 in 4 games} and an early front runner for rookie of the year in Chris Johnson and this is a team that will be playing deep into December.
Most Disappointing Team- Cleveland Browns
Many {maybe this was just me} expected the Browns to continue off last season’s success while possibly even winning the AFC North. Derek Anderson looked like the real deal after last season, but it seems imminent Brady Quinn may get his opportunity to start sooner than expected. {So stop doing those stupid EAS drink commercials and start getting prepared to play} Their opponents are not getting easier. After this bye week they face the Giants, Redskins, Jaguars, and Ravens, whose defenses are solid with each team having winning percentages of .500 or better. Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow, and Jamal Lewis’s performances have not helped either while their newest acquisition, Donte’ Stallworth, has still yet to play.
Biggest Joke of a Franchise- Cincinnati Bengals
Ocho Cinco is playing closer to Ocho Stinko. I do not understand why the Bengals receiver legally changed his name. If anything the team should legally change their name to the Cincinnati Trouble Makers. We all know their long history with players getting arrested, but apparently they wanted to add to that list with the signing of Cedric Benson. What a great way to clean up your image with fans. Between a boating incident in May and a drunk driving charge in June he just needs one more indictment to become their full time starting running back. By the way, Chris Henry comes back this week from suspension, I wonder if they will make a play at O.J. Simpson next?
Dumbest Owner- Al Davis
Lane became Lame duck Kiffin as he was supposedly going to be fired no matter what the Raiders record was heading into the bye week. He certainly is not the greatest coach ever to exist posting a 5-15 record; however, the team improved considerably under his leadership and were at least competitive {this just shows how bad they were before he got there} The last 2 seasons before Kiffin took over they were a combined 6-26. Since their 2002 Super bowl visit, it has been close between the number of hiring’s Al Davis has made and their total amount of victories.
Best Fantasy Value-Jay Cutler
This guy looks like a top 3 quarterback on any given week in fantasy matchups, yet he was drafted anywhere from the 6th to 8th round in most leagues. The Broncos high power passing game is dangerous for opposing defensive coordinators. He currently has the most fantasy points for a QB so good move to those who waited on him, as his value will only continue to increase as the season progresses.
Best Upset- Miami Dolphins 38 New England Patriots 13
Ronnie Brown had 4 rushing TD’s and 1 throwing doing his best impersonation of LaDainian Tomlinson. They completely humiliated the Pats who coming into the game won 21 consecutive regular season games. There last lost in the regular season was also to the Dolphins dating back to 2006. By the way the Tom Bradyless Patriots were the home team in this blowout and Las Vegas believed they were the favorites by 12.5. Way to get this one wrong bookies.
Biggest Bone Head- Terrell Owens
Yes on the field this guy is the best at what he does, off the field that’s a different story. His touchdown antics are sometimes fun to watch {I especially enjoyed his Usain Bolt impression} but he supposedly complained about not getting enough balls thrown his way after a loss to the Redskins. I do not think he will consistently be a problem, but c’mon a third of Tony Romo’s passes went your way, so do not annoy your quarterback like you did with Jeff Garcia and Donovan McNabb. Just shut up and play. The Cowboys have the most talented group of players, but will that translate into the most talented team? Between T.O., Tony Romo, Tank Johnson, and Pacman, {sorry} Adam Jones these guys certainly like the spotlight.
And Lastly
It Sucks to be…- Ed Hochuli
During the Broncos-Chargers game in week 2, this referee clearly made an incorrect call rewarding the football back to the Broncos after Jay Cutler fumbled it late in the fourth quarter. The Chargers still had multiple opportunities to win the game, but they could not stop the Broncos from not only scoring a TD, but a two point conversion that ultimately cost them the game. Rather than blaming themselves for blowing a fourth quarter lead, similar to week 1’s meltdown against the Panthers, the Chargers and their fans put the blame on Mr. Hochuli. {the one ref who quite possibly is in touch with Barry Bonds personal trainer}The real test for the Chargers will be come playoff time, and whether or not they can pull through in the clutch. It remains to be seen if they can win these tight games. Officials make mistakes not just in the NFL, but in all sports and it is an unfortunate part of the game. Teams have to learn to deal with it by evaluating their own personnel problems rather than criticizing officials. By the way Charger fans, stop sending death threats to a more than respectable veteran referee, if you guys are still annoyed by the loss, than put blame where it properly belongs… On the Defense.