The Midseason All-pro Team

The results of SI's poll of 14 pro-personnel directors and scouts bode well for Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman. Our panel voted Aikman—whose contract is scheduled to be renegotiated in December—the league's midseason MVP in a landslide (he had seven votes, with no other player getting more than one).

"If there's a time when you especially want to be playing well," says Aikman, who after eight weeks has completed 67% of his passes and whose 99.5 efficiency rating is second in the league, "obviously it's when your contract's being discussed."

Aikman has never professed to be the best at his position, but, he says, with his negotiations with team owner Jerry Jones only a month away, "I'd like for people to at least be able to make the argument."

Offense

WR: Michael Irvin, Cowboys; Andre Rison, Falcons
TE: Brent Jones, 49ers
T: Erik Williams, Cowboys; Jumbo Elliott, Giants
G: Randall McDaniel, Vikings; Steve Wisniewski, Raiders
C: Bruce Matthews, Oilers
QB: Troy Aikman, Cowboys
RB: Barry Sanders, Lions; Bam-Foster, Steelers

Defense

DE: Bruce Smith, Bills; Anthony Smith, Raiders
DT: Cortez Kennedy, Seahawks; Sean Gilbert, Rams
OLB: Greg Lloyd, Steelers; Renaldo Turnbull, Saints
ILB: Junior Seau, Chargers; Michael Brooks, Giants
CB: Rod Woodson, Steelers; Eric Allen, Eagles
S: Henry Jones, Bills: Steve Atwater, Broncos

Special Teams

P: Greg Montgomery, Oilers
K: Jason Hanson, Lions
Return Specialist: Mel Gray, Lions

Awards