The 2012 NFL season is unofficially halfway in the books. That means there's a lot yet to happen that will make us think differently about teams and players around the league than we do now.
Going on what we do know, here's our midseason awards, from the traditional to some outside the trophy shelf:
Most valuable player: Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons. It's not like the NFL's reigning MVP, Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers, is having an off season. It's just that, Ryan —like Rodgers during the 2011 regular season—is playing at a very high level for a team that is undefeated at this point in the season. If the Falcons keep it up and go 15-1—like Rodgers and the Packers did last year—Ryan will hold the hardware.
Offensive player of the year: Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings. He has come back from reconstructive knee surgery to lead the league in rushing (775 yards) after eight games. He's averaging 5.1 yards per carry, the best clip since his breakout rookie year. Most important, he's carried a young offensive team on his back and has the 5-3 Vikings in position to compete for a playoff spot.
Defensive player of the year: J.J. Watt, DE, Houston Texans. He's the NFL's Sultan of Swat. Watt's home runs come from consistently batting down the ball and hitting the quarterback.
Comeback player of the year: Peyton Manning, QB, Denver Broncos. This award is a lock for the triumphant return of an all-time great, and he looks better than ever in his first year with Denver. This Manning will give Ryan, Rodgers and his younger brother Eli a good fight for MVP, too.
Offensive rookie of the year: Robert Griffin III, QB, Washington Redskins. Griffin has flown out of the gate with his dynamic passing and running skills, showing efficiency beyond his years and becoming the league's top Heisman sensation over Tim Tebow and Cam Newton.
Defensive rookie of the year: Chandler Jones, DE, New England Patriots. Jones has six sacks after eight games, giving him an outside shot at breaking the rookie record held by Jevon Kearse (14.5). Both Aldon Smith (14) and Von Miller (11.5) flirted with that record in 2011, with Miller eventually winning DROY as a more involved all-around defender.
Coach of the year: Joe Philbin, Miami Dolphins. It's been a bittersweet year for Philbin, one that began with personal tragedy and soon after gave him his best professional opportunity. He acquired the right coaching makeup in Green Bay, and it's resonating with his players in Miami, who have put the Dolphins in surprise playoff contention.
Offensive coordinator of the year: Mike McCoy, Denver Broncos. McCoy maximized the Broncos' offense with the passing limitations of Tim Tebow, so you knew he had the potential of turning it into a smooth, balanced juggernaut with Manning at the controls. There are not many coordinators who can adjust so well to such varied personnel.
Defensive coordinator of the year: Rod Marinelli, Chicago Bears. The offense, with Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall and Matt Forte, hasn't quite hummed along like Chicago had hoped, but the Bears are 6-1 because the defense has been a takeaway and scoring machine. Marinelli is taking full advantage of all the parts at his disposal, from a strong front-four pass rush to a zoned-in back seven.
Best feel-good story: Indianapolis Colts. The so-called rebuilding Colts are playing inspired football, with the enthusiasm of coach Chuck Pagano reverberating even when he's not on the sideline. Andrew Luck isn't playing like a rookie, and the holdover veterans are all doing their part to get the Colts back to the playoffs without Manning.
Most frustrating team: Philadelphia Eagles. Dallas and San Diego, two other places where coaches are on hot seats, don't even come close. Philadelphia was the one with greater expectations, despite the great disappointment of a not-so dreamy 2011. The Eagles have awakened to a bigger nightmare, setting up big changes ahead.
Most frustrating offensive player: Tony Romo, QB, Dallas Cowboys. Michael Vick, Mark Sanchez, Cam Newton and Jay Cutler all were considered, but Romo's roller-coaster ride has never been quite this wild before. In any previous season, his passer rating has never dipped below 92, and it's currently a frigid 78.8 with a league-leading 13 interceptions.
Most frustrating defensive player: Mario Williams, DE, Buffalo Bills. The Bills broke the bank for Williams, who has produced only 3 1/2 sacks and hasn't helped improve their run defense much.
Celebrator of the year: Victor Cruz, WR, New York Giants. Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski tried to steal Cruz's thunder in London. And players have gone Gangnam Style all over the league as their end zone/sack dance of choice. But Cruz's salsa has stayed hot, proving he wasn't a one-year wonder and deserves a big contract soon.
Most frightening offensive player: Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers. If there's anything close to a Frankenquarterback in the NFL, it's Big Ben. It's not fair that he has the size and strength to run through defenders but also can run around them. Even though he's still not sold on the Steelers' offense, he's quietly putting together his best season.
Most frightening defensive player: Clay Matthews, OLB, Green Bay Packers. Matthews is like a combination of the Avengers. He looks like Thor, is built like Captain America, endures like Iron Man. Given he also is often seen in green and is someone quarterbacks don't like when he's angry, he's most like Hulk. He gets a chance to attack the Cardinals' weak offensive line this week.
Offensive Methuselah of the year: Tony Gonzalez, TE, Atlanta Falcons. Gonzo keeps his body in peak physical condition with a meticulous diet and exercise routine, so it's no wonder the 36-year-old, arguably the best tight end of all time, continues to win his matchup with Father Time. He's working on a potential career-best season, with the Super Bowl being the ultimate goal.
Defensive Methuselah of the year: Ronde Barber, S, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Barber, who will try to cover Gonzalez in a couple of games against the Falcons later this season, will join him a few years down the line in the Hall of Fame. At 37, a switch to safety hasn't kept Barber from being a savvy all-around playmaker.
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