Between the 15th century, when football originated in the form of rugby, and the 1890s, when Yale coach Walter Camp tweaked the rules — namely, allowing the “offensive” side to retain possession after a tackle — to create what is now America’s pastime, somebody came up with the halftime concept.
Halftime of a game brings rest for the players, and refreshments and lengthy restroom lines for the spectators. Halftime of an NFL season brings reviews. The good, the bad and pseudo-first-half awards:
Surprises
Team: Kansas City Chiefs. Everyone predicted improvement, but their over/under was seven wins. Believers can already collect, and the Chiefs can go directly to the playoffs.
Quarterback: Terrelle Pryor. Was supposed to be Matt Flynn’s backup. Instead, he showed flashes of becoming the next Michael Vick.
Running back: Reggie Bush. On pace to become the Lions’ first 1,000-yard rusher since 2004.
Pass catchers: Jordan Cameron, Julius Thomas. These two are tight ends selected in the fourth round of the 2011 draft. Both did little in their first two years but are enjoying third-year breakouts. Cameron is on pace for 98 receptions, Thomas for 16 touchdowns.
Disappointments
Team: Texans and Falcons. Both were trying to denounce rap of regular-season champs/postseason chumps. Both are 2-5 and staying home for the playoffs.
Quarterback: Tom Brady, Matt Schaub. Brady is the 27th-ranked passer and is on pace for just 18 touchdown passes and 3,648 yards.
Schaub didn’t make it to the halfway point. He was benched after throwing pick-sixes in three consecutive games.
Running back: Ray Rice. Has just 242 yards rushing on 2.8 yards per carry. And he has lost two fumbles.
Pass catcher: Greg Jennings. Yes, his three Vikings quarterbacks stink, but he had just one catch for 9 yards against his former Packers last week.
First-half awards
Top coach: Andy Reid, Chiefs
MVP: Peyton Manning, Broncos
Top defensive player: Robert Mathis, Colts
Top offensive rookie: Eddie Lacy, Packers
Top defensive rookie: Kiko Alonso, Bills
Mike Klis: mklis@denverpost.com or
