We are now at about the quarter mark of this season and there have been a ton of surprises and disappointments thus far. Here are my awards through the first four games this year.
Most Valuable Player: Patrick Mahomes (KC, QB)
Throughout the first 4 games, Patrick Mahomes has proved that he is in fact the most valuable player. He can truly be the best, regardless of who his weapons are on offense. Even without Tyreek Hill, he still has the highest QBR in the league and has thrown the most touchdowns (11) tied with Lamar Jackson and Jared Goff.
Honorable Mention: Lamar Jackson (QB, BAL)
Defensive Player of the Year: Micah Parsons (LB, DAL)
Dallas’ defense has yet to give up over 20 points, so far, and has been carrying their team with Cooper Rush at the helm. Not to discredit what Rush has done in place of Prescott in his absence, but the defense has dominated primarily led by Parsons. What makes him my DPOY is beyond the stats, it is the impact he has had. He is always bringing pressure and, in only his second year, has anchored a once-terrible defense into arguably the best in the NFL.
Honorable Mention: Nick Bosa (DE, SF)
Offensive Player of the Year: Saquon Barkley (RB, NYG)
Number 26 for the Giants, in a year where he has had everything to prove, has been not only the best offensive player but also the comeback player of the year so far. After 2 season-ending injuries and the bust label beginning to come to the minds of Barkley hopefuls, he has emerged through the fans' disappointment and showed why he was selected second in the 2018 NFL draft. The Giants are 3-1 with a mediocre roster at best and that is due to his efforts and his emergence as the best offensive player in the league at the moment, in my opinion.
Honorable Mention: Cooper Kupp (WR, LAR)
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Chris Olave (WR, NO)
In a crowded offense, many thought Chris Olave wouldn’t shine. If you go back to my dark horse award candidates prior to preseason, you’ll notice that I had him winning this award. I am sticking with that. He has been the most reliable weapon on an offense that includes Alvin Kamara, Micheal Thomas, and Jarvis Landry. Yes, Thomas was hurt, but Olave was still able to step up. He also notched the September Offensive Rookie of the Month, adding to his impressive first month in the league.
Honorable Mention: Dameon Pierce (RB, HOU)
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Jalen Pitre (DB, HOU)
Talk about a difference-maker. Jalen Pitre has been impressive, to say the least. He has done just about everything from playing in the secondary. He has racked up a sack, 3 tackles for loss, and has 2 interceptions, so far. There are so many great defensive rookies that I could select for this award, but he has done so much for his team in helping them compete in every game they play. The Texans' record shows 0-3-1, but for a young team with low expectations they have demonstrated promise and Jalen Pitre is a big reason why.
Honorable Mention: Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Garder (CB, NYJ)
Coach of the Year: Mike McDaniel (MIA)
For a first-time head coach, he has been absolutely fantastic. The Dolphins are 3-1 and could’ve been 4-0, if not for the Tua concussion situation. Thanks to Mike McDaniel’s phenomenal coaching, the Dolphins have turned into Super Bowl Contenders. He is young and the players love him. We’ll see how he is able to handle Teddy Bridgewater at QB for now. But, if last week was any indicator of the time ahead, I wouldn’t be too worried that McDaniel wouldn't be able to lead the team to some more wins without Tua Tagovailoa.
Honorable Mention: Nick Sirianni (PHI)
Most Improved Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
Finally, with a solid coach leading the team, the Jaguars look like they’re on the cusp of something special brewing in Duval. The signing of Christian Kirk and their draft class are proving critics wrong and they are performing above expectations, Trevor Lawrence is playing at an elite level, and Doug Pederson is giving us more of a reason to believe that Urban Meyer was the problem in Jacksonville. Seeing this team play reminds me of last year’s Bengals with a solid, young team with a QB selected first overall coming into his own in his second year. The Jaguars sit on top of the AFC South and look to be in rhythm as they have beat the Chargers and Colts. Also, they put up a fight against the only undefeated team left, the Eagles. This team has potential and I would not be surprised if they snuck into the playoffs and even won their division.
Honorable Mention: Detroit Lions
Breakout Player: Talanoa Hufanga (S, SF)
If you have watched any 49er game this year, you have heard the broadcasters rave about this player. I personally never heard of him until last year when he scored off of a blocked punt to win the divisional round against the Packers. Since then, he has been arguably a top 3 safety. He flies across the field. Everywhere the ball goes, he goes. He reminds me of a hybrid player of Earl Thomas and Troy Polamalu and I can see him becoming a perennial pro bowler if he continues to play the way he has been playing. He is one of my favorite players to watch and is a key reason why the San Francisco 49ers have a top 2, arguably best, defense this season.
Honorable mention: Geno Smith (QB, SEA)
Comments
Post a Comment