NFL Awards

 

MVP: Aaron Rodgers

Stats: 209 completions, 313 attempts, 66.8% cmp, 28 TDs, 3 INTs, 120.1 passer rating.

I would like to make an argument for Tom Brady here, but Rodgers has just been way too out of control the entire season. In addition, to gaudy, extremely efficient stats, Rodgers is often riding the bench in the fourth quarter of blowouts, particularly recently. Without Rodgers, the Packers are likely not even a .500 team and instead they sit at 7-3. This Packer team now leads the league in scoring with 33 points per game, in a slight margin over the second place Patriots with 32.3 points per game.

Next men up: JJ Watt, Tom Brady, Andrew Luck

JJ Watt is performing at a level no defensive player has in recent years, with the ability to completely change a game no matter where he lines up. And he is scoring TDs on a regular basis to boot. It is quite clear after watching the Patriots-Colts matchup, that without Luck, the Colts would be one of the worst teams in the NFL. Brady is right on Rodgers’ heels with 25 TDs & 5 INTs, it looks like it will come down to who makes less mistakes from here on out. I expect this award to be in contention until the final week of the season.

Offensive Player of the Year: Rodgers

If he continues on his current pace and wins the MVP, this award should fall in his lap as well. Same goes for the others on this side of the ball mentioned above.

Next men up: Rob Gronkowski, DeMarco Murray, Randall Cobb, Antonio Brown, Jordy Nelson, Jamaal Charles

Defensive Player of the Year: Watt

Stats: 9.5 sacks, 1 INT, 7 PDs, 2 FFs, 4 FRs, 2 TDs

There don’t seem to be many other options, his ability to be a one man wrecking crew and ruin a team’s entire game plan seems above anyone else.

Next men up: Tashaun Gipson, Justin Houston, Marcell Dareus

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Mike Evans

Stats: 46 receptions, 794 yards, 7 TDs

In most years there are probably 10 or so guys that would be worthy of winning this award. I believe this ends up going down as the best WR class ever. Top to bottom, rounds 1 through 7, teams found WR value. Mike Evans has just risen to the top. Despite mediocre QB play he has amassed a stat line of pure dominance, all while seeming to improve every week.

Next men up: Kelvin Benjamin, Sammy Watkins, Jordan Matthews, Brandin Cooks

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Chris Borland

Stats: 63 tackles, 1.0 sack, 7 PDs, 2 INTs, 1 FR

This is a projection pick, if the season were to end today, I don’t believe that Borland would be named DROY. However, his production the last 3 weeks since taking over the starting role simply can’t be ignored. Borland has 48 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 2 interceptions in the last 3 weeks. Provided he keeps his spot in the starting lineup (I don’t know how he wouldn’t) I expect him to finish the season a top this year’s rookie class.

Next men up: CJ Mosley, Anthony Barr, Khalil Mack

Coach of the Year: Bruce Arians

Record: 9-1

No other coach has lost more and won more. Arizona leads the league in wins despite losing it’s starting QB, and several veterans on defense. The true test will be how they finish out the season with the sporadic Drew Stanton at the helm. With the way the defense is playing though, they have a chance to go far.

Next men up: Mike Pettine, Joe Philbin, Andy Reid, Bill Belichick