papz

Lots of new faces on the midseason All-Pro team, and lots of tough choices. Hard to leave off Adrian Peterson, because I believe he's the best running back in football, hands down. Hard to leave off defensive end Trent Cole of the Eagles, middle linebacker Curtis Lofton of the Falcons and Owen Daniels of the Texans, too; Daniels had six terrific games before going out for the season. But I tried to recognize some new men playing very well, and I look forward to hearing your nominations.

OFFENSE

WR Vincent Jackson Chargers
At 6-foot-5, he plays jump ball with cornerbacks and wins.

LT Ryan Clady Broncos
Franchise tackle is Mike Shanahan's gift to Josh McDaniels.

LG Chris Kemoeatu Steelers
Feisty steamroller. Pittsburgh needs more like him.

C Nick Mangold Jets
Technically excellent leader for top NFL running game.

RG Jahri Evans Saints
Underrated and adaptable to multiple New Orleans schemes.

RT Michael Oher Ravens
Rookie who can't be intimidated. Quick feet. Will get stronger.

TE Dallas Clark Colts
Indy G.M. Bill Polian: "I'd argue he's our MVP."

WR Andre Johnson Texans
Matt Schaub's go-to guy dominates with speed and muscle.

QB Peyton Manning Colts
First QB ever with 300-plus yards in seven of first eight games.

RB Chris Johnson Titans
More explosive than Adrian Peterson through season's first half.

FB Heath Evans Saints
Sledgehammer for New Orleans' run game until injured in Week 7.

DEFENSE

DE Jared Allen Vikings
NFL's most disruptive defender had 71/2 sacks in two games against Pack.

DT Kevin Williams Vikings
Think of a better DE-DT combo in last 10 years.

NT Aubrayo Franklin 49ers
Does NT's job: occupies two blockers every week.

DE Dwight Freeney Colts
Career year? Eight straight games with at least one sack.

OLB Elvis Dumervil Broncos
Good move having him drop weight, move to OLB.

M/ILB Patrick Willis 49ers
Ray Lewis's closest heir among young crop of MLBs.

M/ILB David Harris Jets
The kind of sideline-to-sideline force that Rex Ryan loves.

CB Darrelle Revis Jets
Erased Andre Johnson, Randy Moss in first two weeks.

CB Nnamdi Asomugha Raiders
Highest-paid corner in history is playing like it.

FS Darren Sharper Saints
As many interceptions (seven) as 17 teams.

SS Brandon Meriweather Patriots
Starting to play with the instinct of Rodney Harrison.

SPECIAL TEAMS

KR Percy Harvin Vikings
Supplanted Devin Hester as league's most dangerous WR/KR.

PR Josh Cribbs Browns
Best special-teamer in football is best player in Cleveland.

K Stephen Gostkowski Patriots
No one in New England is pining for Adam Vinatieri.

P Shane Lechler Raiders
52.3-yard average leads league by 4.0 yards.
First-Half Awards

MVP
Peyton Manning Colts
Drew Brees has a superb running game, Manning does not.

Offensive player
Matt Schaub Texans
Upset special: leads NFL in yards, AFC in TD passes.

Defensive player
Jared Allen Vikings
Devastating edge player has 10 1/2 sacks, three forced fumbles.

Offensive rookie
Percy Harvin Vikings
Florida product has three touchdown catches, two returns for scores.

Defensive rookie
Brian Cushing Texans
Like rookie DeMeco Ryans in '06, making a mega impact at LB in Houston.

Comeback
Brett Favre Vikings
From May arm surgery to phenomenal 16-to-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

Coach
Josh McDaniels Broncos
The biggest surprise of the season's first half is Denver atop the AFC West.

Coordinator
Gregg Williams Saints
Defensive improvement has given New Orleans much-needed balance.

Assistant coach
Aaron Kromer Saints
Behind his rebuilt O-line, New Orleans has jumped from 28th to seventh in rushing.

Executive
Bill Polian Colts
Draft savvy is paying off with '09 fourth-rounder Austin Collie, '08 sixth-rounder Pierre Garçon.

Send comments to siwriters@simail.com.

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NFL Midseason All-Pro Team, Awards - Peter King - SI.com

Like I said before, Evans was well on his way to a Pro Bowl berth this year... glad he's being recognized by the media.

Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.

All little common sense goes a long way.

Rugby Saint II

Well, that's pretty impressive, I can't wait to see how this all pans out after the post season.