The NFL season is at its halfway point, so it’s time to unveil our picks for NFL midseason awards. Which individuals have stood out from the crowd this season in another wild and unpredictable year of professional football?
Most Valuable Player: Peyton Manning
The obvious choice is sometimes not the best choice, but in this case, it is. Peyton Manning is playing as well as he’s ever played, and when you can say that about him, you really don’t need to carry this conversation any further. Manning is playing beautifully and leading the Denver Broncos to the top of the AFC. Even if he loses to New England this Sunday, he’s still probably the favorite for the award.
Rookie Of The Year: Zack Martin
The skill position players here will naturally get a good, long look, such as Kelvin Benjamin of the Carolina Panthers and Sammy Watkins of the Buffalo Bills. However, you have to look at what’s gone on with the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line, which has enabled DeMarco Murray to become the first running back in the history of the entire National Football League to rush for at least 100 yards in each of the first eight games of a season. That’s an amazing, historical accomplishment, so when a rookie offensive lineman such as Zack Martin helps make that possible, you have to honor that kind of performance. Martin should be the call.
Defensive Rookie Of The Year: C.J. Mosley
The choice should be C.J. Mosley of the Baltimore Ravens. The linebacker leads all rookies in tackles with 76. This might be an empty statistic, since tackles sometimes mean that the defensive line or other parts of a defense aren’t doing their job, but the Ravens are 5-3 and doing fairly well one season after missing the playoffs. Mosley is part of the reason for that turnaround, actively doing things to make his team successful. He deserves the nod over Kyle Fuller of the Chicago Bears and Anthony Barr of the Minnesota Vikings.
Coach Of The Year: Bruce Arians
There are several good choices, but none as good as Bruce Arians. Jason Garrett of the Dallas Cowboys embarrassed himself on Monday Night Football against the Redskins with his handling of Tony Romo. Chip Kelly of the Eagles has had tough moments in goal-line situations against the San Francisco 49ers and the Cardinals. Arians has led the Cardinals to 6-1 without a fully healthy Carson Palmer, plugging in Drew Stanton in spots. That’s an amazing coaching job, clearly the best in the league.
Comeback Player Of The Year: Rolando McClain
This should be Rolando McClain of the Dallas Cowboys. The oft-troubled linebacker has not had any kind of stable career. He has actually retired two separate times – not once, but twice. He has been arrested three separate times since being drafted (by the Oakland Raiders). His career was thought to be at an end. His life itself was in a bad spot. That he’s been a significant part of a revived Dallas defense, one that struggled so consistently last season, is absolutely remarkable. The extent of McClain’s off-field troubles make him the most deserving choice over Steve Smith of the Ravens and
Defensive Player Of The Year: J.J. Watt
There can be no debate about this one: J.J. Watt of the Houston Texans is the only choice. He’s a terror as a pass rusher. He covers the whole field. He’s always where the ball is. He makes big plays. He makes scoring plays. He takes the ball away from offenses. He is an absolute nightmare for offensive coordinators. There’s no decision to be had here at all.
