Mid-Season All-NFC East Team

As part of our look back on the first half of the season, we’re breaking down every division and looking at the top performances from each position.

Here's the NFC East, and links to the others:

Offense

Quarterback: Eli Manning (NYG)

There was a time when people questioned Manning's pedigree. Not anymore and he’s continued to impress us in 2012. Is there a more clutch quarterback? He’s had to be to fend off RG3.

Running Back: Alfred Morris (WAS)

The rookie Redskin has been something of a revelation. His 717 yards are fourth-most in the league, putting some more illustrious backs in the division to shame.

Fullback: Henry Hynowski (NYG)

Our top-ranked fullback and Mid-Season All-Pro starter. Step forward The Hynosorous.

Tight End: Jason Witten (DAL)

To think some people (myself included) speculated that Witten was done. He’s getting better as the season goes on and he’s further removed from that nasty spleen injury.

Wide Receivers: Victor Cruz (NYG) and Miles Austin (DAL)

Cruz isn’t grading out quite so well because of his two performances against the Cowboys, but he’s still a big-time danger every time the ball gets in his hands. Austin edges out some stiff competition for the second spot and currently owns the eighth-highest receiving grade of all wide receivers.

Tackles: Trent Williams (WAS) and Todd Herremans (PHI)

While William Beatty may feel aggrieved, the lower penalty count and excellent pass protection of Williams sees him get the nod. At right tackle Herremans held off… well, nobody. The competition hasn't even been close.

Guards: Evan Mathis (PHI) and Chris Chester (WAS)

Mathis got paid but continues to perform at a level high enough to earn a start on our Mid-Season All-Pro team. Chester, on the other hand, has reacted to a poor 2011 with some fine play this year. See, players can turn it around.

Center: Will Montgomery (WAS)

His name is rarely mentioned when you think of top centers, but when he’s been used at the spot he’s rarely disappointed. 2012 has been no different.

Defense

Defensive Ends: Jason Pierre-Paul (NYG) and DeMarcus Ware (DAL)

It’s been a tough year for JPP when it’s come to rushing the passer as the Giants' defensive line was slow to get going, but his work in the run game has been sublime. In the interest of getting the best guys on the team (and because he plays with his hand in the dirt enough) we’ve used Ware as our second defensive end as the best pass rusher in the division.

Defensive Tackle: Linval Joseph (NYG) and Jason Hatcher (DAL)

The Giants' Joseph has played well enough to earn the 13th-highest grade of all defensive tackles. We’re pairing him with Hatcher who provides penetration and brings an every-down influence. His ability to line up over a tackle or guard also provides some nice flexibility.

Linebackers: Bruce Carter (DAL), Demeco Ryans (PHI) and Ryan Kerrigan (WAS)

Ryans was a lock and has been as advertised since the Eagles traded for him. Outside him, Kerrigan has faltered without Orakpo next to him but can still offer something in the way of pass rush. Carter will need to step up his game a bit if he’s to replace the impact of Sean Lee.

Cornerbacks: Josh Wilson (WAS) and Morris Claiborne (DAL)

The Eagles' cornerbacks have flashed excellence but have been guilty of too many mistakes. You can’t say the same about the underrated Wilson and impressive rookie Claiborne.

Safeties: Antrel Rolle (NYG) and Madieu Williams (WAS)

Not two guys I would have expected to make this team at the start of the year. Rolle has had his normal moments that induce head smacking, particularly in coverage, but has become a fine contributor in the box. Meanwhile Williams, who has been a liability the past few years, has actually held up pretty well in Washington.

Special Teams

Kicker: Lawrence Tynes (NYG)

Punter: Steve Weatherford (NYG)

Returner: Brandon Banks (WAS)

Special Teamer: Niles Paul (WAS)

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