NFL Awards Update: Aaron Rodgers Losing Grip On MVP
By Erik Lambert
With two games left in the NFL regular season, a number of the top honors are still up for grabs. Who are the favorites in each category?
MVP: Aaron Rodgers
The Green Bay Packers quarterback still holds the lead in the race for Most Valuable Player but the pursuit has caught up to him considerably following his ugly game in Buffalo. Aaron Rodgers has been remarkably efficient in 2014 and has had to be considering he’s the 23rd ranked defense that has given up 23 points per game this season. Anytime he seems to have an off day, the Packers lose. That is what an MVP is.
Defensive Player of the Year: J.J. Watt
If the system weren’t so slanted towards offense, then there is little question the real MVP of the season is J.J. Watt. Thanks to his incredible individual efforts, the Houston Texans managed to overcome constant problems at the quarterback position. He gets sacks, deflects passes, forces fumbles and apparently scores touchdowns too. If the league won’t make him MVP, then he is unanimous Defensive Player of the Year.
Comeback Player of the Year: Julio Jones
His team has struggled most of the year, but it wasn’t because Julio Jones didn’t show up. The dynamic wide receiver proved once again why he’s one of the five best in pro football, returning from an injury-plagued 2013 to post over 1,400 yards and six touchdowns in just 13 games. That is the epitome of a true comeback.
Coach of the Year: Bruce Arians
What else is there to say? The Arizona Cardinals have endured a rash of roster losses from the very start of the season including their top two quarterbacks. Yet it doesn’t seem to matter. They are 11-3, lead the NFC West and are in the playoffs. All of that credit must go to Bruce Arians, who has done a masterful job of navigating the team from week to week through some tough situations and always coming out with the W.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Odell Beckham Jr.
What? His absurd one-handed grab on Sunday Night Football wasn’t enough to validate it? Fair enough. How about his 972 yards and 9 touchdowns in just 10 games of work? The fact is no rookie has looked better down the stretch of this season than the New York Giants receiver. He has all the appeal from the talent to the catch name to the highlight reel plays. Truly worthy of the award.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Aaron Donald
The only thing that worried experts about defensive tackle Aaron Donald was that he may not have the length to handle pro offensive linemen. Clearly they were overthinking the issues because he has terrorized opposing quarterbacks since he stepped on the field for the St. Louis Rams. He has eight sacks on the season and has a ridiculous +32.4 rating on Pro Football Focus, which means he’s every bit as good against the run.