Top NFL Award Leaders Through First Quarter
By Erik Lambert
Sep 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) during the game against the Buffalo Bills at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
There are still three quarters to go but who leads the pack for the top NFL awards of the 2014 season?
MVP: Andrew Luck – Indianapolis Colts
With all due to respect to Philip Rivers and some of the other names, Andrew Luck is a true MVP in every sense of the word. Can anybody imagine where the Indianapolis Colts would be without him? Their defense doesn’t have its best (and maybe only) pass rusher and their offense still has some flaws of its own that are craftily hidden by the third-year star. He is the single most reason they are still relevant.
Coach of the Year: Bill O’Brien – Houston Texans
Bruce Arians is of course a major favorite given what he’s done with Arizona but it makes it so easy to overlook the fact that Bill O’Brien has the Houston Texans in first place of the AFC South at 3-1 despite having Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback, a disgruntled Andre Johnson at receiver and no Jadeveon Clowney.
Comeback Player of the Year: Rolando McClain – Dallas Cowboys
There are several names deserving of recognition for this honor but there is no denying facts. Not a single person ever thought Rolando McClain would play in the NFL again after his fallouts from Oakland and Baltimore. Now suddenly he is starting for the Dallas Cowboys and has racked up 17 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and an interception. His career is off life support and becoming one of the great stories of 2014.
Defensive Player of the Year: J.J. Watt – Houston Texans
Let’s face it. There isn’t a more dominant defensive player in pro football. It doesn’t matter that he isn’t the current sacks leader, J.J. Watt is a nearly impossible to block. His ability to rush the passer, stop the run and even play coverage makes him the most versatile defender in the game and he’s well on his way to his second Defensive Player of the Year honor.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Kelvin Benjamin – Carolina Panthers
Problems continue to engulf the Carolina Panthers offense. One of their few bright spots, surprisingly to many, is Kelvin Benjamin. Widely considered a long-term project with high potential at best, the Florida State product has emerged as the favorite target of Cam Newton right from the start. He leads all rookie receivers in both yards (329) and touchdowns (3) and has that #1 look about him.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Kyle Fuller – Chicago Bears
Though he received somewhat of a rude awakening to the Packers rivalry, it doesn’t diminish how fantastic Kyle Fuller has played for the Chicago Bears through the first four weeks. Pressed into the lineup following a season-ending injury to Charles Tillman, the Virginia Tech product leads the league with three interceptions and also leads his team with 24 tackles. Never mind the three forced fumbles too. A true all-around corner who has a bright future for the Monsters.
Assistant Coach of the Year: Rod Marinelli – Dallas Cowboys
The newest award added to the NFL trophy case, Assistant Coach of the Year goes to the staff member who has the most significant impact on the success of his team. There is no question whatsoever that the award belongs to Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli. At the end of 2013, the Cowboys defense was among the worst ever in league history. Four weeks into the 2014 campaign and they rank a respectable 14th against the run and 10th in points allowed despite suffering several injuries along the way. That is the Marinelli effect, and the award couldn’t go to a nicer guy.