NFL Honors Awards: Who Besides Watt Got Robbed?
By Erik Lambert
Dec 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) reacts during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
As the Super Bowl draws near, the NFL Honors were delivered as well. Who got rewarded and who got robbed?
MVP: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers
It’s been established that the NFL is a quarterback-driven league and that’s fine. Aaron Rodgers had a fantastic season and was his usual remarkably efficient self. However, with due respect to him and the ideals behind his position, he should not be MVP.
Rodgers wasn’t the best in any of the statistical categories attached to his position. He was 7th in passing yards, 3rd in touchdowns, 9th in completion percentage and 2nd in quarterback rating. Meanwhile J.J. Watt tied for the league lead with two defensive touchdowns, and placed 2nd in sacks, 2nd in forced fumbles, and 2nd in pass deflections among non-secondary players. On top of that he has a safety, helped his team go from 2-14 to 9-7 and also scored two other touchdowns as a receiver.
He deserved the MVP award.
Offensive ROY: Odell Beckham Jr., WR, New York Giants
To think this rookie wide receiver posted 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns in just 12 games coming off a bad hamstring injury is simply remarkable. He deserves the Rookie of the Year honor for that catch against Dallas alone.
Defensive ROY: Aaron Donald, DT, St. Louis Rams
The entire defense was a force in 2014 but it didn’t take long for Aaron Donald to validate the St. Louis Rams taking him in the 1st round. He came is as an explosive interior pass rusher and backed up the hype with nine sacks. Pretty impressive considered he was just 1.5 behind established star teammate Robert Quinn.
Coach of the Year: Bruce Arians, Arizona Cardinals
To think he led his team to an 11-5 record this season despite not having his starting quarterback for 12 games is the big reason why Bruce Arians is Coach of the Year again. The fact he did it in a tough NFC West division makes it all the more impressive.
Defensive Player of the Year: J.J. Watt, DE, Houston Texans
As stated above, J.J. Watt did enough in 2014 to win MVP. Thus the fact he was the unanimous choice for Defensive Player of the Year isn’t the least bit surprising. The fact that he’s still just 25-years old and already has two of those trophies along with two season of 20+ sacks pretty much say he’s the best there is.
Comeback Player of the Year: Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England Patriots
Rob Gronkowski winning Comeback Player of the Year can be understood based on the criteria of the award. He’s earned it, but a case can be made some other players deserved it more. The thing about Gronk is he was only dominant in 2013 for seven games whereas he was dominant for 15 this year. He never stopped being dominant.
Meanwhile, Rolando McClain was literally out of the NFL in 2013 before climbing his way back and helping the Dallas Cowboys reach the playoffs with 81 tackles, two interceptions, a sack and a forced fumble. That is a true comeback.