NFL Awards at Season's Midpoint
With the NFL season at its midway point, here’s who I have deserving of the notable NFL honors.
MVP: Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers. I wrote about Cam the other day. He didn’t have a great showing Thursday night, but he’s been spectacular this season. The personnel around him isn’t great, yet he finds a way to carry his team week in and week out.
Offensive Player of the Year: Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams. Gurley is a touchdown machine. Through nine games, he has sixteen scores and over 1,200 yards from scrimmage. Julio Jones is on a tear and could very well supplant Gurley by seasons end, but right now, Todd Gurley has been the most dynamic offensive weapon in the NFL.
Defensive Player of the Year: Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams. Had Khalil Mack not missed the past couple of games due to injury, this honor would be his. Nonetheless, Donald has been a menace on the interior of the Rams defense, compiling double-digit sacks and stunting the opponents running game.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Saquon Barkley, New York Giants. The Giants offense has been miserable, but Barkley has lived up to his billing as the best back to enter the draft in years. There is a real possibility that he will have 1,000 yards running and through the air in his rookie season. Only two backs have ever done that in the history of the sport.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers. James should never had fallen as far as he did in the draft. He has brought an attitude and a swagger to a Chargers defense, that even without Joey Bosa, has been absolutely stifling.
Comeback Player of the Year: J.J. Watt, Houston Texans. After playing in just eight games combined the past two seasons, Watt has already played in nine contests in 2018. Through the early slate, he has helped lead the Texans to a 6-3 record while compiling nine sacks and eleven tackles for loss. He’s not back to what he once was, but he’s pretty darn close.
Coach of the Year: Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs. The gamble that Reid took in shipping off Alex Smith in favor of Patrick Mahomes has paid off beautifully. Sean McVay deserves some credit and consideration for his work in LA, but Reid is more deserving in 2018.
Super Bowl Pick: Saints over Chiefs. This game will be decided by whichever defense can get a timely stop. Yes, the Chiefs offense has been historic thus far, but their defense cannot stop a nosebleed. It will be enough for them to represent the AFC, but not enough to stop Drew Brees and company.
