Tiki's Take: Benching Vick is the right move

• The Eagles should bench turnover machine Michael Vick
• Jets QB Mark Sanchez isn't the problem, the players around him are
• Coach Norv Turner hasn't instilled a killer instinct in the Chargers

At the halfway point, the Atlanta Falcons are undefeated, the New York are the leagues' most resilient team, the Chicago Bears play a hard-nosed, opportunistic style of defense, and the Houston Texans, led by the leagues' most complete running back and a savvy quarterback, are the cream of the crop in the AFC.

But what about the underperformers? Here is my list of the Floundering Four and how to fix them.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

I wrote a couple of weeks ago about the issues surrounding Michael Vick, and the bold move that Andy Reid needed to make, but wouldn't, in benching his star QB. A few weeks later, it's like everyone had an epiphany!

Now, word out of Philly is that Vick is headed to the bench.It's the right move. Vick won't admit he has a turnover problem, and with so much of the Eagles' offense run through him, other extraordinarily capable athletes are getting pushed aside. RB LeSean McCoy and WR DeSean Jackson are two of the best at their positions; however, the game plans are not geared toward letting them excel. They are wasted assets.

Lastly, with a team that is 29th in the NFL with minus-9 turnover margin, the defense had better be stout. But it isn't. The Eagles fired defensive coordinator Juan Castillo for being too predictable.

The fix: Put Reid on notice and bench Vick. Put the ball in backup Nick Foles hands. Tell him his job is ball security. Hand it off to McCoy 30 times a game, and throw quick outs, slants and bubble passes to Jackson and WR Jeremy Maclin. Tell Foles that when he's in trouble to find TE Brent Celek over the middle.

NEW YORK JETS

While most would expect us to begin this conversation with the ineptness of QB Mark Sanchez, the Jets' problems actually begin with the lack of talent around him.

The Jets spent this past offseason trying to steal New York tabloid back pages from the New York Giants, who won their second Super Bowl in five seasons. But signing the golden child, Tim Tebow, has proven problematic. The move itself was debatable, but the real issue is the missed opportunity to bring in solid talent.

With so many available options on the open market this past off-season, including wide receivers Vincent Jackson and Reggie Wayne, it's shameful that the Jets believed Santonio Holmes, who is out for the year, and a handful of also-rans could provide the targets Sanchez needed.

Backed up by a inconsistent running game and a defense that has been succeptible to the run, this team needs to play flawlessly just to have a chance to win.

The fix: Start backup QB Tim Tebow and prove to everyone that he's is or is not the guy to lead your team. We're betting he isn't the answer, and that will take the crippling pressure off Sanchez.

The Jets must trade for an offensive stud, even if he's not a part of the long-term plans. RB Steven Jackson comes to mind. Maybe WR Dwayne Bowe in Kansas City. Owner Woody Johnson must give Jets' fans something to get excited about.

Lastly, get Rex talking crazy again. He'll take the New York media heat, so his players can focus on playing.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Look no further than head coach Norv Turner for the issues with the Chargers. This teams lacks a killer instinct and sense of urgency, and that mentality comes from the top.

The past three weeks have been one disaster after another for the Bolts. First, they lost to the winless Saints, then blew a 24-point halftime lead to the Broncos, and finally listlessly bowed to the woeful Cleveland Browns on a rainy, sloppy day.

At some point every week, this team forgets what's at stake: that it plays in the wide-open AFC West, where the Denver Broncos just crossed .500 to lead the conferences' worst division.

QB Phillip Rivers inexplicably has become a turnover machine, and with a receiving corps unable to get open downfield, the once high-powered offense has become an ineffective West Coast-style bore fest.

WR Robert Meacham is not the same player he was for the Saints, and, as a result, TE Antonio Gates is the focus of every defensive coordinator. Shut him down, the Chargers have no chance.

The fix: Fire the head coach and GM A.J. Smith. t's time to pull the trigger, because fans are (rightfully) getting restless and the team needs direction.

DALLAS COWBOYS

The Cowboys' defense has actually been playing well enough to win, especially when you consider the perilous positions Tony "Oh, no!" Romo has put them in with his multiple multiple-interception games.

The issues with Romo's lack of "it" date back to his botched FG hold, but there are many examples since. Romo is known more for his gaudy stats -- 437 passing yards Sunday -- than his ability to actually win. That's why the Cowboys are 3-4.

WR Dez Bryant, while possessing more talent than anyone on the roster, can't get out of his own way. Off-field issues aside, he plays immaturely, often

not finishing routes (which led to an INT this past weekend) and disrespecting his team by not having the right attitude.

The fix: The Cowboys desperately need a leader! Romo isn't that guy. Coach Jason Garrett needs to dress Dez Bryant and make him stand on the sideline and cheer for everyone else on the field, especially those who are doing his job. One thing will make this team better -- pride, developed through adversity.