Fansided

NFL: Grading Each Team’s First Half

By Brad Rowland

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls out an audible in the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls out an audible in the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) celebrates by dancing after a 75 yard touchdown during the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) celebrates by dancing after a 75 yard touchdown during the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Arizona Cardinals

Raise your hand if you had the Arizona Cardinals as the best team in the NFC after eight weeks. I certainly wasn’t among that group, but thanks to an amazing defensive effort despite a long string of injuries, the Cardinals stand at 6-1 with a full two-game advantage in the NFC West.

Frankly, Arizona “should” be 7-0 on the year, as only some quarterback health issues that led to Logan Thomas (!) surfacing in the second half of their lone loss kept them from a blemish-free mark. The defense is beginning to round into form (7th in the NFL in DVOA) with the returns of Calais Campbell and Tyrann Mathieu, but more than that, Carson Palmer is now ready to roll, and with the offensive weapons (i.e. Andre Ellington and the wide receiver duo of Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd) beginning to percolate, the Cardinals appear to be for real.

I will admit to be quite wrong about the Cardinals in the preseason, but even the most ardent supporter would have to be blown away by their start.

Grade: A+

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