";
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","AFC East","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","AFC North","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","AFC South","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","AFC West","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","Buffalo Bills","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i-1].body = "
Record: 5-3
Grade: B
Best attribute: The Bills have cooled after a hot start, but they should remain a contender. Offensively, the Bills have versatile running back Marshawn Lynch, steady quarterback Trent Edwards and explosive receiver Lee Evans. They are always a threat to score.
Needs improvement: The Bills have talent on defense with defensive end Aaron Schobel, linebacker Paul Posluszny and strong safety Donte Whitner but need more consistency. They need more takeaways (11, tied for 17th) and must pressure the quarterback more. They are 31st in sack percentage. ";
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","Baltimore Ravens","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i-1].body = "
Record: 5-3
Grade: B
Best attribute: Rookie coach John Harbaugh has brought a renewed sense of purpose to the Ravens, and their stellar defense has returned. The Ravens lead the league in run defense, are second in overall defense and are excellent against the pass. The running back combination of Willis McGahee, Le’Ron McClain and Ray Rice have been productive.
Needs improvement: If the Ravens want to become a postseason threat, they must become a better passing team. That will be difficult with rookie quarterback Joe Flacco at the helm. Flacco has the intelligence, arm strength and guts for the job, but he's thrown more interceptions than touchdowns, and the Ravens don’t have the firepower to come from behind against good teams.";
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","Houston Texans","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i-1].body = "
Record: 3-5
Grade: C
Best attribute: The secret is out. When Matt Schaub is healthy and in the lineup, the Texans' offense is dangerous. The best of those weapons is Andre Johnson, who combines speed, strength and great hands. Owen Daniels is one of the best receiving tight ends; coach Gary Kubiak thinks Daniels is a top-level route runner. But when Schaub is out, the Texans can do little more than tread water.
Needs improvement: The Texans are a team that is on the verge. Between the offense and great defensive players like Mario Williams and Amobi Okoye, Houston has potential. But the Texans are soft against the pass and don't create enough turnovers. ";
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","Denver Broncos"," ","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i-1].body = "
Record: 4-4
Grade: C
Best attribute: The Broncos appeared to be an explosive offensive team, but Jay Cutler has struggled to find receivers Brandon Marshall and explosive rookie Eddie Royal. If Cutler can resemble the quarterback he was during the first three weeks, the Broncos can still contend.
Needs improvement: The defense has struggled mightily. Champ Bailey and Boss Bailey are injured, the Broncos are porous against the run AND the pass, and there's no sign of immediate improvement. The Broncos also sit near the bottom of the takeaway/turnover table. ";
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","Miami Dolphins","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i-1].body = "
Record: 4-4
Grade: B\+
Best attribute: Miami now has toughness and creativity. The Dolphins are becoming a team that will hit you hard in the mouth and then hit you again before you know what happened. The combination of Chad Pennington and Ronnie Brown give the Dolphins some surprising offensive pop, particularly in the passing game.
Needs improvement: The Dolphins are vulnerable in the secondary. They rank near the bottom of the league in passing yards per game and rarely come up with interceptions. Thanks to Joey Porter (11.5 sacks) they get a decent pass rush, but the coverage is rather ordinary. ";
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","Cincinnati Bengals","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i-1].body = "
Record: 1-8
Grade: D-
Best attribute: The Bengals earned their first win but needed eight games to do it. They aren’t as bad on defense as they are on offense. That's about the nicest thing we can say. Defensive tackles Domata Peko and John Thornton make it tough for opponents to run the ball on the interior.
Needs improvement: Even though Chad Ocho Cinco Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh are still competitive receivers, the Bengals are last in the league in total yards per game. With Carson Palmer on the sidelines, Ryan Fitzpatrick has struggled with his timing and overall production. The Bengals were a top 10 team in total offense each of the last three seasons.";
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","Indianapolis Colts","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i-1].body = "
Record: 4-3
Grade: B-
Best attribute: The Colts lack the firepower and all-around dominance of previous editions, but the combination of coach Tony Dungy, quarterback Peyton Manning and receiver Reggie Wayne gives them a bit of resilience. They will fight for 60 minutes. The pass defense has generally exceeded expectations, and it should improve now that defensive player of the year Bob Sanders has returned.
Needs improvement: Joseph Addai's return against the Patriots didn't boost the running game. Receiver Marvin Harrison's fumbles also have hurt the Colts. The offensive line is average.";
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","Kansas City Chiefs","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i-1].body = "
Record: 1-7
Grade: D
Best attribute: Halfway through the season, all the Chiefs' worries have been realized. Still, they are plus-8 on the takeaway/turnover table, and coach Herman Edwards has them playing hard. Second-year receiver Dwayne Bowe is a budding star, and tight end Tony Gonzalez is still an elite tight end.
Needs improvement: The Chiefs have huge issues on offense and defense, but the quarterback situation is dreadful thanks to injuries to Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard. Larry Johnson should be a dominant running back, but his sullen attitude prevents this. ";
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","New England Patriots"," ","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i-1].body = "
Record: 5-3
Grade: B
Best attribute: Bill Belichick's game-planning makes the Patriots special. Not to diminish the contribution of the players, but when the Pats lost quarterback Tom Brady for the season, most teams would not have had an idea of how to turn things around. Backup quarterback Matt Cassel has been capable, and he has two sensational receivers in Wes Welker and Randy Moss to work with.
Needs improvement: The defense is old and lacks speed. Those factors were obvious in losses to the Dolphins and Chargers. The Pats lost touch in both of those games, and the secondary gives up too many big plays for them to assert themselves against the league's elite teams. ";
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","Cleveland Browns","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i-1].body = "
Record: 3-5
Grade: C
Best attribute: After a rough start, coach Romeo Crennel's team has regained its equilibrium. Quarterback Derek Anderson is starting to show improvement, and Jamal Lewis continues to be a hammer out of the backfield. Cornerback Eric Wright is effective and can take an interception back to the house.
Needs improvement: The offense has shown signs of life but still has a ways to go. Tight end Kellen Winslow, who has had to battle injuries and a staph infection along with an unpopular image, needs to button his lip and start producing. Receiver Braylon Edwards has All-Pro type talent but rarely shows it. ";
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","Jacksonville Jaguars","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i-1].body = "
Record: 3-5
Grade: C-
Best attribute: The Jaguars have been hit hard by injuries, but they have kept on fighting. They lost starting guards Vince Manuwai and Maurice Williams in their opener; center Brad Meester is recovering from biceps surgery. Still, quarterback David Garrard has ensured things haven't gone south.
Needs improvement: Injuries account for some of the team’s offensive woes, but the defense must improve. The Jags struggle against the pass and are 23rd in sack percentage. Their once-vaunted running game has hit hard times. ";
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","Oakland Raiders","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i-1].body = "
Record: 2-6
Grade: D\+
Best attribute: It’s hard to make a judgment on JaMarcus Russell’s ability to become a big-time NFL quarterback. He has superior size and good skills, but the tumult surrounding his two seasons in Oakland cloud everything. On the other hand, running backs Darren McFadden and Justin Fargas are skilled, explosive backs. Oakland can rely on them for tough yards.
Needs improvement: The firing of Lane Kiffin and the manner in which Al Davis handled it means the Raiders will not be able to hire a quality coach until he relinquishes control of the team. Why would any proven coach want to work for Davis? On the field, the Raiders can’t stop the run and struggle in the red zone on both sides of the ball.";
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","New York Jets","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i-1].body = "
Record: 5-3
Grade: B-
Best attribute: The schedule was a boon: Few teams had an easier stretch than New York's three games against the Bengals, Raiders and Chiefs. Eric Mangini’s team went 2-1 in that stretch. The Jets can run the ball with Thomas Jones, and they can stop the run on defense. Defensive tackle Kris Jenkins is one of the league's strongest men and can tie up interior offensive linemen
Needs improvement: The chemistry is severely lacking. Brett Favre has been decent at quarterback, but he often looks distracted and clearly is a player who is coming toward the end. The Jets are vulnerable against the pass even though they rank fourth in sack percentage. Second-year cornerback Darelle Revis is improving but still is inconsistent, while rookie Dwight Lowery is an inviting target at the other cornerback spot. ";
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","Pittsburgh Steelers","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i-1].body = "
Record: 6-2
Grade: B
Best attribute: The Steelers are not the league's most talented team, but they may be the toughest. Coach Mike Tomlin appears to get just as much out of this team as Bill Cowher ever did. That toughness is exemplified by receiver Hines Ward and linebackers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley (16 combined sacks). Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has average numbers, but he is a winner who has carried the team despite injuries to various offensive playmakers.
Needs improvement: Willie Parker hasn't been healthy, and rookie running back Rashard Mendenhall is out for the season. Roethlisberger has been tossed around like a rag doll at times, and that’s because the Steelers’ feisty -- but small -- offensive line has been manhandled by bigger opponents. ";
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","Tennessee Titans","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i-1].body = "
Record: 8-0
Grade: A
Best attribute: The Titans made the playoffs last season, but few thought they were an elite team. This year, there's no doubt. Jeff Fisher's team dominates with its running game and perhaps the league's best defense. Rookie running back Chris Johnson is explosive, while LenDale White is a pulverizing big back. Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth may be the league's most dominating defensive player when he is focused.
Needs improvement: Kerry Collins has been a capable replacement for Vince Young. But does he have the receivers to help the Titans if they find themselves in a comeback situation in an important game? The Titans lack the ingredients to play come-from-behind football. ";
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","San Diego Chargers","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i-1].body = "
Record: 3-5
Grade: C-
Best attribute: The Chargers should be thankful they play in the AFC West. Despite an awful start, they're only a game out of first. Quarterback Philip Rivers leads the league in passer rating, while LaDainian Tomlinson still is a dominant player. Tight end Antonio Gates (five touchdowns) is talented enough to make big plays against any opponent.
Needs improvement: The Chargers defense has been ineffective, which prompted the release of coordinator Ted Cottrell and the promotion of linebackers coach Ron Rivera. Look for Rivera to turn up the pressure and force the issue with more takeaways. The Chargers are dead last in opponents’ passing yards per game. ";
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","NFC East","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","NFC North","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","NFC South","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","NFC West","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","Dallas Cowboys","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i-1].body = "
Record: 5-4
Grade: C-
Best attribute: The Cowboys' larger-than-life persona seemed to be working in their favor as they started the season with wins over Cleveland, Philadelphia and Green Bay. But setbacks, including an injury to quarterback Tony Romo’s little finger, have thrown the Cowboys off track. If Dallas gets back to relying on the running of Marion Barber, things could turn around.
Needs improvement: The offensive line hasn't played like one of the league's biggest and strongest. Terrell Owens has vanished, while the pass defense has been average. ";
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","Chicago Bears","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i-1].body = "
Record: 5-3
Grade: B\+
Best attribute: The Bears had gotten solid quarterback play from Kyle Orton, a somewhat remarkable development. But a high-ankle sprain has put Orton's season on hold. Now the Bears are forced to turn to Rex Grossman. The Bears offensive line has exceeded expectations after a miserable performance in 2007.
Needs improvement: The defense has been solid but can struggle in the fourth quarter. They have struggled to pressure opposing quarterbacks, which makes the secondary vulnerable. Rookie running back Matt Forte has given the Bears a big lift, but the Chicago running game lacks depth and productivity. ";
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","Atlanta Falcons"," ","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i-1].body = "
Record: 5-3
Grade: B\+
Best attribute: The Falcons have recovered from the 2007 season and moved into a new era with coach Mike Smith and quarterback Matt Ryan. The Boston College rookie has played like a veteran and performed well above expectations. The Falcons also have gotten a huge lift from receiver Roddy White, while signing free agent running back Michael Turner has been huge.
Needs improvement: The Falcons don’t have a lot of offensive depth or a lot of size on defense. Can they sustain it in the second half under a hard-charging rookie coach who is still learning the ropes? The Falcons struggle to stop the run and have a hard time putting pressure on the quarterback.";
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","Arizona Cardials","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i-1].body = "
Record: 5-3
Grade: B
Best attribute: The Cardinals are one of the league's most dangerous passing teams. Quarterback Kurt Warner, 37, has found the fountain of youth, thanks to a solid offensive line and throwing to sensational receivers in Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. Even though the running game has been limited, the Cardinals are one of the best teams inside the red zone.
Needs improvement: The Cardinals are in position to win the NFC West but may need to develop a rushing attack. Edgerrin James has slowed down and is not an effective runner. The secondary is vulnerable. ";
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","New York Giants","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i-1].body = "
Record: 7-1
Grade: A-
Best attribute: The Giants have looked every bit like the defending champions. They boast an outstanding pass rush behind Justin Tuck, Fred Robbins and Mathias Kiwanuka. Quarterback Eli Manning is casting his own shadow, and the powerful three-back running game gives New York a chance to close out any game.
Needs improvement: The Giants are balanced and believe in coach Tom Coughlin. However, Plaxico Burress continues to be a distraction. The attitude has not fractured the Giants to this point, but it may if Burress continues to act selfishly.";
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","Detroit Lions","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i-1].body = "
Record: 0-8
Grade: F
Best attribute: Just one. Receiver Calvin Johnson is a big-play threat who can win the one-on-one battle against even the best cornerbacks. However, he can't carry this team.
Needs improvement: The Lions took the first step toward improvement when they fired longtime general manager Matt Millen. Coach Rod Marinelli is widely considered to be a great guy who is in way over his head. The offensive line and the defense have been awful. ";
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","Carolina Panthers","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i-1].body = "
Record: 6-2
Grade: B\+
Best attribute: The Panthers are a much better offensive team than they were a year ago, thanks to a return to form of quarterback Jake Delhomme, the big-play ability of Steve Smith and a solid contribution from Muhsin Muhammad. The Panthers also are good against the pass. Cornerback Ken Lucas is one of the league's better cover men, while defensive end Julius Peppers is a force.
Needs improvement: It’s not that the Panthers can’t run the football, it’s that they struggle to do it consistently. DeAngelo Williams has speed and explosiveness but doesn't get any holes. The Panthers also expect more from their run defense. With solid talent on the defensive line and at linebacker, coach John Fox expects far more than the average run defense thus far.";
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","San Francisco 49ers","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i-1].body = "
Record: 2-6
Grade: D
Best attribute: Coach Mike Singletary was brought in to change the team's culture, and he knows how to do it. While the 49ers are loaded with question marks, none of them are in the backfield where Frank Gore is one of the league's best.
Needs improvement: The 49ers have tried J.T. O’Sullivan and Shaun Hill at quarterback; neither one has the goods. The 49ers have been sluggish against the run, and the linebackers often get caught up in the blocking.";
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","Philadelphia Eagles","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i-1].body = "
Record: 5-3
Grade: B
Best attribute: When running back Brian Westbrook is healthy, he may be the most valuable player in football. He makes them a dangerous offensive team, while rookie receiver DeSean Jackson is a big-play threat. Quarterback Donovan McNabb has been healthy, and his solid personality and accurate throwing makes up for the two steps he has lost over the years.
Needs improvement: The Eagles play dominating and hard-hitting defense, but they are not always at their best in the red zone. The other issue is special-teams play. Opponents have exploited their poor kickoff coverage. ";
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","Green Bay Packers","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i-1].body = "
Record: 4-4
Grade: B-
Best attribute: The Packers were under intense scrutiny prior to the start of the season when they traded Brett Favre to the Jets, but they have survived the storm and put a solid product on the field. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has won over his teammates, coaches and Packers fans. The receivers are an elite group, and the defensive backs, most notably Charles Woodson and Nick Collins, are outstanding ball hawks.
Needs improvement: The running game that was so strong a year ago has fallen on hard times. The Packers rank in the bottom third of the league in yards per game and yards per rush. It’s easy to blame running back Ryan Grant, but the holes have not been there. On the other hand, the Packers have regularly struggled to stop their opponents from running the ball.";
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","New Orleans Saints"," ","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i-1].body = "
Record: 4-4
Grade: C\+
Best attribute: The Saints have the league's most explosive offense. No quarterback has played better than Drew Brees. He is an accurate passer who buys time with his quick feet. He also throws a surprisingly good deep ball. Reggie Bush has become a real threat, which makes his return crucial.
Needs improvement: The Saints are in the bottom half, or bottom third, of most defensive categories. They tire when on the field for extended periods of time, which raises questions about their conditioning. The secondary has been particularly vulnerable. ";
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","Seattle Seahawks","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i-1].body = "
Record: 2-6
Grade: D-
Best attribute: The Seahawks have been the class of the NFC West for years. But not in Mike Holmgren's final year. His team has suffered numerous injuries at key positions – including quarterback – and that has kept the Seahawks from competing. One thing the Seahawks can do fairly well is put pressure on the passer, thanks to the presence of defensive end Patrick Kerney.
Needs improvement: Julius Jones is a good, but not great, running back who could thrive with a better passing game to open running lanes. As a result of Matt Hasselbeck’s (back and knee) injury problems, the Seahawk offense can’t sustain drives.";
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","Washington Redskins","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i-1].body = "
Record: 6-3
Grade: B\+
Best attribute: The Redskins have been a pleasant surprise behind first-year coach Jim Zorn. Thanks to the accuracy of quarterback Jason Campbell, the Redskins have remained on the Giants’ heels all season. Running back Clinton Portis is dominating and consistent, having run for 120 yards or more each week.
Needs improvement: The Redskins try to pressure opposing quarterbacks with an array of blitzes, twists and stunts. That's because they cannot get pressure from their front four. Even with the added pressure, the Redskins rank near the bottom of the league in sack percentage. That could be fatal when facing the league’s elite teams. ";
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","Minnesota Vikings","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i-1].body = "
Record: 4-4
Grade: B-
Best attribute: The Vikings may have the game's best all-around running back in Adrian Peterson. He takes any kind of crease and turns it into something positive. Veteran quarterback Gus Frerotte has given the team just enough consistency to make life easier for Peterson. The defensive line is tough, nasty and effective.
Needs improvement: Brad Childress is a questionable coach, to say the least. He does not inspire confidence, and his decision-making is terrible. The Vikings have been awful in the red zone.";
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","Tampa Bay Bucs","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i-1].body = "
Record: 6-3
Grade: B
Best attribute: The Bucs are not in the league’s upper echelon in terms of talent, but they scrap and claw better than anyone. All three of their losses have been by four points or less. They still are a very good defensive team, ranking in the top 10 in all key defensive categories except sack percentage. They feed off the leadership of veteran Derrick Brooks and the passion of fellow linebacker Barrett Ruud.
Needs improvement: Jeff Garcia hustles and works hard at quarterback, but he is limited, though he does have a capable receiver in Antonio Bryant. Running backs Earnest Graham and Warrick Dunn work hard, but they are average. ";
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i++] = new Array("","St. Louis Rams","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_midseason_reportcard[i-1].body = "
Record: 2-6
Grade: C-
Best attribute: After falling apart in the first month of the season, the Rams fired shaky coach Scott Linehan and replaced him with fiery Jim Haslett. The move worked initially as the Rams responded with wins over the Redskins and Cowboys.
Needs improvement: The Rams are awful in the red zone, and they struggle in all areas on defense. The Rams lack strength and depth at linebackers and can’t stop the run. Quarterback Marc Bulger needs a better supporting cast. ";
// END editorial data