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NFL awards: Wide open Rookie of the Year races so far in 2019

By A.J. Fagerlin

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 29: Quarterback Gardner Minshew #15 of the Jacksonville Jaguars walks off the field during halftime against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on September 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 29: Quarterback Gardner Minshew #15 of the Jacksonville Jaguars walks off the field during halftime against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on September 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 29: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers runs the ball during a game against the Houston Texans during a game at NRG Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Houston, Texas. The Panthers defeated the Texans 16-10. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 29: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers runs the ball during a game against the Houston Texans during a game at NRG Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Houston, Texas. The Panthers defeated the Texans 16-10. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Offensive Player of the Year

Christian McCaffrey, Running Back, Carolina Panthers

One player aside from Patrick Mahomes that could make a real case for MVP right now is Christian McCaffrey. Working behind and beside two different quarterbacks already this season, CMC has been absolutely incredible regardless of who’s under center.

Despite an underwhelming performance on a Thursday night against the Buccaneers in week two (16 rushes for 37 yards and two catches for 16 yards), McCaffrey has managed incredible stats to this point on the year. Right now McCaffrey has 411 yards on 86 carries including four rushing touchdowns. As a receiver, CMC has 25 catches for 218 yards.

If not for that off-game versus Tampa Bay, McCaffrey may be on pace for 2,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards. A season anywhere close to that warrants attention and potential accolades.

More importantly than his individual stats, after an 0-2 start the the season, McCaffrey (and quarterback Kyle Allen, but mostly McCaffrey) have led the Panthers to back-to-back impressive wins, putting them back at .500 and right in the mix in the NFC South.

If the Panthers manage to squeak their way into the playoffs this season, McCaffrey really should be considered for MVP. Regardless of the team’s record at the end of the year, if he keeps playing like this, CMC will be a strong candidate for Offensive Player of the Year.

Cook, Brady, and Mahomes would all be in play here as well, but McCaffrey’s versatility allows him to make such a wide and strong impact on his offense. With an inexperienced starting quarterback, McCaffrey will be relied upon heavily as a playmaker, and will be the key to the Panthers winning games going forward.

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