Ahh, we’re halfway through the 2023 NFL season and it’s only getting started. Teams have figured out who they are and looking to stay afloat in their respected conference. Just like high school or college, it’s time to handout midseason report cards for each team. All teams in each conference will be graded based on overall performance; coaching staff is included as well. Ready? Here we go:
1. Kansas City Chiefs: After their slow start and week one loss to Detroit, the Chiefs are gaining traction to begin hitting stride. Patrick Mahomes is playing in his typical dominance as he should. Travis Kelce has been the story upon the arrival of susperstar singer Taylor Swift in the suite. With the defense playing well as it’s been in their Super Bowl of 2019, Chris Jones has been wreaking havoc since returning in Week 2. With Mecole Hardman coming back and giving the offense some much needed juice and reliable receiver, look for this team to secure the number one seed by late December. With games against Buffalo, Cincinnati, and Philadelphia; whom they beat in Super Bowl 57, Kansas City will be in full throttle with no breaks. Grade: A+
2. Baltimore Ravens: Lamar “Lights, Camera, Action” Jackson has been the driving force behind a potent offense with new offensive coordinator Todd Monken. There’s more balance allowing Lamar playing to his strengths with
run and pass. Improving season after season, he’s played like a top five QB. What’s been underlying is his receivers are starting to figure things out each week. For Baltimore to stay in the hunt for the number one seed, they’ll need all hands on deck. Rookie Zay Flowers has shown signs of flash but he needs to play with confidence as the season progresses. Mark Andrews is still a top five tight end and the offensive line has been good keeping Lamar upright. Run game has been solid and will help play to Lamar’s biggest strengths: RPO. What’s impressed me: Defense.
Yes, the defense has played their tails off. Led by Roquan Smith, this Ravens defense is going to be key. Can they continue to flock around opposing QBs and play their brand of “ball so hard?” In a what I call “UFC division,” Baltimore has the potential to reclaim the AFC North. With upcoming games against Seattle, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Jacksonville, and a Christmas Day showdown with San Francisco in Santa Clara. At this rate, Baltimore will control their own destiny in securing a playoff spot. Take care of business and let the chips fall where they may. Grade: A+
3. Cincinnati Bengals: Joe “Cool” Burrow is getting healthier after dealing with a calf injury during training camp. All wasn’t well in the jungle for Cincinnati, and they’ve had a couple weeks off to make their stride. Ja’Marr
Chase aka “7/11” let it be known he’s always open and by golly has it juiced this offense. Tee Higgins is back to full strength with Tyler Boyd seeing some passes thrown his way. Joe Mixon has been solid, but his carries will
be a matter of time. Defensively, we don’t give them enough credit for being top ten. Not going to give up but will bite at the bits to keep opposing teams out the end zone. Zac Taylor has been decent but can be overwhelmed at times. If Joe Burrow had an offensive line, this team would be beyond good in my humble opinion. Outside of this glaring issue, can they keep pace in the AFC? Big games against San Francisco, Buffalo, Houston, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Jacksonville and traveling to Kansas City on New Year’s Eve, the Bengals will have to play flawless to win a good portion of their remaining schedule. Grade: B+
4. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor “Sunshine” Lawrence in Year 3 has improved each week. Shaky start but he’s been controlling this Jags team with poise. In what’s supposed to be the leap year has made me say: “Are
you sure he’s a top five QB?” Let’s wait and see… Strong run game with Travis Etienne has kept this offense churning and chewing up the clock. Offensive skilled players in Calvin Ridley, Zay Jones, Evan Ingram, and Christian Kirk have kept Lawrence in the mix of top five QB. Defensively, led by linebacker Josh Allen and Travon Walker have been playing well enough to keep them in the game. There are times where Trevor has been pressured and making the wrong read. Credit Doug Pederson for being the right coach to help mold his franchise QB. In a very tough AFC, they need to get out of the jungle and run freely. Their upcoming games in which they’ll likely be underdogs: Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Houston, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Baltimore. Jacksonville will either fight and claw to stay in the hunt or get left behind. Grade: B+
5. Miami Dolphins: The fastest show on grass has been potent offensively and very effective in second year head coach Mike McDaniel. With the emergence of Tua Tagovailoa finally playing at a high level, it helps when he has Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Cedric Wilson Jr, and a very good run game with De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert. This offense already put up 70 points and it was effortless. A solid offensive line has made Tua stand upright to deliver the ball to his skilled players.
Defensively, they’ve been a little shaky. Under Vic Vangio, Miami is playing good enough to stay in games. Led by Bradley Chubb, Christian Wilkens, Xavien Howard; this defense is bend but don’t break. With Jalen Ramsey looking to make his debut in a few weeks, it’s going to be tough. Biggest issue for Miami: can they win big games in which Tua will need to be near perfect, it will tell us what need to know. In what’ll be a tale of tape, Miami’s upcoming games against Kansas City, which will be played Germany. New York Jets, Tennessee, Dallas, Baltimore; the daunting part will decide their fate come January. If all goes as planned, Miami could be hosting a postseason game in South Beach. Grade: B-
6. Buffalo Bills: Are the internal issues reaching a boiling point and will it be addressed? Buffalo has underachieved through the midway point. Josh Allen has turned into a giveaway QB. Head coach Sean McDermott simply can’t find the Bills extra gear in closing out games. Former offensive coordinator Brian Daboll played to Allen’s strengths. Frustrations and conflict have dominated Buffalo since 2022. Rather it’s Ken Dorsey not making it a priority to get star wide receiver Stefon Diggs his touches, it feels like the window is three quarters way closed. Run game has been very undesirable at times. No impact from Dalton Kincaid from my eye test and proving to me each week this team can’t get out of their own way.
Defensively, Buffalo needs to make a few moves to keep pace with the teams above them. All-pro cornerback Tre’Davious White is gone for the second time in three seasons with an Achilles injury. Von Miller is coming off an ACL injury as well and has been a shell of himself. Signing veteran cornerback Josh Norman can only do so much in their secondary. As long as Josh Allen continues to throw unannounced interceptions, the same results will repeat. Looking at their schedule: Cincinnati, New York Jets, Philadelphia, Kansas City, Dallas, LA Chargers and Miami again. Can the Bills turn the page and get back on track? Or will they continue to roam in the
pastures of the Buffalo cold come January? Grade C+
7. New York Jets: There’s plenty of rocket fuel to fly anywhere and compete. QB Zach Wilson has shown maturity and accountability in Aaron Rodgers’ absence. Running the football and letting the defense dominate up front. Head coach Robert Saleh has done a good job in preparing this Jets team. Defense has been top seven for a reason; how they’re able to rush the quarterback and a back seven who can make plays as well. What we do know is New York can run the tables and fly in quietly if Aaron Rodgers returns mid-December. Look for Dalvin Cook’s carries to increase and create some traction. Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, C.J. Uzomah and this Jets offense will need to fly along as well. CJ Mosely, Quinnen Williams, Sauce Gardner and the crew will look to continue their top seven defensive play. With tough matchups to kickstart their second half push: Giants, (Battle for New York) Los Angeles Chargers, Buffalo, Miami, Houston, and Cleveland; there’s a stretch where they can easily be in the wild card race if all flights clear takeoff. Zero room for error and a potential return for Aaron Rodgers. Grade: B-
8. Houston Texans: “Houston, prepare for liftoff!” The biggest surprise in the AFC nobody is talking about. We all thought the Texans would win less than six games… Well sitting at 3-3 and second place in the AFC South is a strong testament to their sense of urgency. Led by first year head coach DeMeco Ryans and rookie QB CJ Stroud, there’s plenty to cheer about. The most impressive win on the young season: defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers at
home. Yes, that Steelers defense led by TJ Watt, which Houston scored 30 points. Offensively, the Texans have been very solid and moving the ball as they should. Stroud looks every bit the best QB in this draft class and how
everyone believes in his capabilities. In the heat of moment, he’s able to eliminate the previous throw and deliver on point to his receivers. Run game with Damien Pierce, John Metchie III who’s slowly returning to his Alabama play, Robert Woods and Dalton Schultz complement CJ’s style. Defensively, Houston is solid and vastly improving with DeMeco’s imprint. In what will be tough tasks with: Cincinnati, Jacksonville, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, Houston could find itself battling for the final wild card spot. Take care of business and win as many of those games possible. Grade: B-
9. Los Angeles Chargers: “Clueless and too cute” would be the words to describe the Chargers season thus far. Head coach Brandon Staley can’t figure out situational football to save his life; whereas Kellen Moore hasn’t learned throwing ten yard curl routes is too predictable. QB Justin Herbert, is a talented quarterback, but can’t escape these two non-football coaches. Austin Ekeler has been okay at best far as running the ball. Keenan Allen is still semi productive but has dealt with minor injuries. Mike Williams is done for the season with a torn ACL. Rookie Quentin Johnson is learning the NFL system and will have some impact. Gerald Everett and some quality
skilled players on this roster. Left tackle Rashawn Slater is one of the premiere tackles in football. Defensively, stacked with Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, Derwin James, Asante Samuel Jr. You’d think this team would be in a
better spot but… Underwhelming is being generous for a team some picked to be a contender. So far, the same old mishaps and gaffes with their coaches doom this team from taking a leap of faith. If the front office is smart, DO NOT RETAIN BRANDON STALEY after 2023! Move on and hire a real head coach to get it done. It’s going to be a lot of thunder with no lightning bolts; as LA prepares to battle with: New York Jets, Detroit, Baltimore, Buffalo, these games are going to force Justin Herbert to be all-world if they have any remote chance to make the postseason. I don’t see a lot of wins, but rest assure the lightning will only get tense with each loss. Grade: C
10. Cleveland Browns: The curious case of QB Deshaun Watson has become more mysterious week by week. What’s really going on that we don’t know? Internal turmoil and power struggles with head coach Kevin Stefanski. All-pro Nick Chubb went down early in the season with a MCL injury and the Browns brought back Kareem Hunt. Wide receiver Amari Cooper is quietly having another good season in spite of all this. All-pro tight end David Njoku
is healing from facial burns sustained in a home firepit accident.
Defensively, Cleveland is historically great led by Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith. It’s the only bright spot thus far and credit to defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and his staff for keeping this team head above shoulders in typical Browns fashion of uncertainty. Can they weather all the organized chaos and win big games down the stretch? Upcoming games: Seattle, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles Rams, Jacksonville, Houston, New York Jets, and Cincinnati. This will be daunting considering the status of Deshaun Watson. PJ Walker has been decent, but he’s a serviceable backup to keep Cleveland in the playoff race. Grade: C+
11. Pittsburgh Steelers: One thing we do know about a historical franchise, they haven’t folded…YET… In what’s been an up and down offense, QB Kenny Pickett has shown flare. If it’s the fourth quarter, he goes cyborg and starts lighting up defenses with his arm and legs occasionally. Wide receiver George Pickens is a highlight waiting to happen; Diontae Johnson is regaining form and Najee Harris can be effective. The problem is Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada. If the offense can counter the defense, we’re having a different conversation.
This defense led by TJ Watt needs no introduction. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Patrick Peterson, and company are keeping this Steelers team afloat. Credit to head coach Mike Tomlin, who’s the steady reliable Toyota Camry which can get you from one city to the next. Pittsburgh will have to find their offensive stride very soon. Pedestrian play calling by Matt Canada won’t win games unless your defense is melting opposing offenses to steel. Nevertheless, in as I’ve referred “UFC division,” Pittsburgh needs to strike lighting in a bottle and let Kenny Pickett air it out more. There’s going to be games along this stretch where they’ll need to score points. Jacksonville, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Seattle, and Baltimore can score in bunches. Being conservative while trying to rely on
your defense to keep it close can only go so far. Grade: C
12. Indianapolis Colts: The unthinkable occurred with rookie QB Anthony Richardson having a season ending shoulder injury. Off to a good start in Shane Steichen’s offense, Richardson showed flash and promise. There comes a time where a big quarterback needs to be more aware he’s not Superman. All the noise and distraction with running back Johnathan Taylor was resolved after holding out for a new deal. Skilled position players such as Michael Pittman Jr, Zach Moss, and guys who aren’t household names. What was their strength is now above average at best which is the offensive line. Older and hasn’t regain the 2018 version which was among the best.
Defensively, DeForest Buckner is still one of the better interior tackles in football. Shaq Leonard still in his prime but injuries have hampered his career. A team with promise now must rely on veteran QB Gardner Minshew to pull the reigns for 2023. He’s a solid and capable of winning games, but everything must be perfect to accomplish wins. Not the end of Indy’s promising season, but they’ll need to win some tough games. Their most impressive win thus far: on the road in Baltimore, which went to overtime. Other than that, it’s been mixed results. Second half schedule is filled with some very winnable games: New Orleans, Carolina, New England, Tampa Bay, Tennessee, Atlanta, and Las Vegas. Their toughest games remaining: Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. Overall, Indy can race to finish
.500 or better and still call it a successful season. Grade: C-
13. Tennessee Titans: Once upon a time, there was a team in Nashville, Tennessee who were a fringe title contender. Well, that ship has sailed and there’s no other way to explain it. QB Ryan Tannehill’s days are under wraps now that he’s injured with a bummed ankle. Is it Malik Willis’ job to take and get the Titans back on track? Or rookie second round pick Will Levis prove he’s the quarterback of the future? Trade rumors swirling around Derrick Henry, what happens afterwards will be the tall tale of Tennessee’s season. DeAndre Hopkins has been lukewarm in this offense as second year receiver Treylon Burks has been dubbed an “AJ Brown” imposter; in part of the Titans trading away their star receiver and drafting his replacement. It’s gone from bad to just giveaway whoever wants this roster. Kevin Bayard is on his way to Philadelphia, whereas Johnathon Simmons is still their best player on the defensive front.
Tennessee has underachieved and hit their ceiling far as being considered a title contender. Mike Vrabel is known as a player’s coach and prepares his guys the right way. But an inevitable break-up has started and more players to follow. As they figure out the QB situation, games will be very unwatchable if you’re a Titans fan. If you had to pick which games they’d win: Atlanta, Carolina, and maybe Tampa Bay. Tougher matchups against: Pittsburgh, Jacksonville (twice), Miami, Houston, Seattle. Missing the playoffs for the second straight season won’t settle with this team. Music city blues will strum emotional tunes for a team who’s only hit single was 2019. A new song must be written, but will the fans give producers and writers time to compose it? Grade: D+
14. New England Patriots: Who deserves more blame for New England’s struggles? I’ll start with the offense; it’s only right that I do. Mac Jones in Year 3 hasn’t panned out. This.. is… very… obvious… What we’ve learned is Mac is a backup QB on a tier three team. It’s like watching junior varsity versus elite NFL talent each week. Bill Belichick the GM has failed him as head coach. Not much for Mac Jones to work with and each week becomes unbearable for Patriots fans to enjoy. JuJu Smith-Schuster, Jalen Raegor, Ezekiel Elliott, and guys which aren’t well known names to put on the field. Defensively, Matthew Judon has been the force but even he can’t reel this team. Bill O’Brien was supposed to be able to fix Mac Jones, that’s not even irrelevant. Patriots’ fans are screaming lose every game to have a high draft pick for a true franchise QB in the 2024 draft.
You can’t get by with lower tier receivers to aid your quarterback. Mac Jones is likely out after this season. You can’t make this up by any means. A tough second half starts after their bye week: Indianapolis, Los Angeles Chargers, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Buffalo, and New York Jets. To say they’ll be competitive in those games… Hide your eyes and ears, there’s a lot to fear over here. Grade: F
15. Las Vegas Raiders: Another disastrous season of complete turmoil in the desert. Head coach Josh McDaniels has proved why he’s not an NFL head coach to lead your team. The man doesn’t utilize Devontae Adams or any player in this offense. Raiders fans were all giddy about Jimmy Garoppolo being an upgrade over Derek Carr… Well, I believe they see why San Francisco was glad to get rid of him. Josh Jacobs hasn’t made much impact, and the frustrations of Tae Adams are becoming more subliminal in recent weeks. Hunter Renfro has been in trade talks; rookie tight end Michael Mayer is lost in the mix.
Defensively, outside of Maxx Crosby, that’s been a bright spot. The guy gives his all each week, you can’t question his effort whatsoever. Chandler Jones, who was released by Las Vegas has dealt with off field matters. Some which started during preseason and that’s all it took. This team is bound to be sellers at the trade deadline. A potential firing of Josh McDaniels may occur first, and the rest will follow. I don’t see them winning too many games from here on out. If you had to flip a coin on the following: Detroit, New York Giants, New York Jets, Miami, Kansas City, Los Angeles Chargers, Indianapolis, and Denver… It’s likely tails to lose a good portion of
their upcoming games. Grade: F+
16. Denver Broncos: “Broncos country… Let’s cry” is all you need to know in 2023 for Denver. Russell Wilson has been very bad and there’s no need to disguise it. In what was supposed to be a bounce back season with new
Head Coach Sean Payton, Denver has been running too far in Mile High. Players growing discontent with Russell Wilson, Jerry Jeudy’s beef with former NFL receiver Steve Smith Sr. All the makings of organized chaos, which has carried over into this season. Denver can only look at themselves in the mirror and attempt to move forward. You can’t move on from a $250 million dollar contact in Russell Wilson; it’s untradeable without a historical cap hit.
All the horses have scattered and not giving two flips who doesn’t like it. Look for guys like Patrick Surtain II, Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton to be moved during the NFL trade deadline. Denver may not win too many games and they’ll be in the quarterback sweepstakes in 2024. Upcoming games: Kansas City, Buffalo, Minnesota, Cleveland, Houston, Los Angeles Chargers (twice), it’s going to be a lot of crying for the Broncos. They can’t escape the
pasture and be free. “Broncos country… let’s cry.” Grade: F
Those are my grades for the teams in the AFC, what's coming for the NFC?
Stai tuned…
