Midseason awards: Rodgers, Revis, Newton head of class
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| Are you serious, Aaron Rodgers? Twenty-four touchdown passes and three picks? (US Presswire) |
MVP
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers: Can it be anybody else? Green Bay is the highest-scoring offense in the league. He is the reason it goes. Runners-up: 49ers running back Frank Gore and Giants quarterback Eli Manning.
Offensive Player of the Year
Rodgers. It's his year to sweep these awards. He is on pace to break nearly every significant passing record. Runners-up: Saints quarterback Drew Brees, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, Gore, Bears running back Matt Forte, Texans running back Arian Foster, Bills running back Fred Jackson and Lions receiver Calvin Johnson.
Defensive Player of the Year
Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis: He has blanketed any receiver he has covered. And he has a 100-yard interception return for a score. Runners-up: Cowboys outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware and Vikings defensive end Jared Allen.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
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Panthers quarterback Cam Newton: He's putting up some amazing numbers to put to rest the talk that he couldn't be a franchise passer. Runners-up: Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, Bengals receiver A.J. Green and Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller: Aside from a few mental lapses, he has been what the Broncos expected, which is a dominant edge rusher. Runners-up: Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus and 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith.
Coach of the Year
Jim Harbaugh: His team is 7-1 and has won four games in the Eastern Time Zone. That's good enough for me. Runners-up: Bengals coach Marvin Lewis and Lions coach Jim Schwartz.
Assistant Coach of the Year
Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips: His unit is ranked first in the league after the Texans finished 30th in 2010. Phillips has done a great job in his first season. Runners-up: Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden, Jaguars defensive coordinator Mel Tucker and Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski.
Best free-agent pickup
Saints running back Darren Sproles: He has been an explosive weapon in both the running and passing games. Runners-up: Eagles defensive end Jason Babin, Jaguars middle linebacker Paul Posluszny and Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph.
Worst free-agent pickup
Falcons defensive end Ray Edwards: He has two sacks, which means little bang for the buck. Runners-up: Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams.
Comeback Player of the Year
Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford: After missing most the past two seasons with injuries, Stafford has stayed on the field and the Lions are 6-2. Runners-up: Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil and Jets receiver Plaxico Burress.
Most Surprising Team
Bengals: At 6-2, they would be the top seed in the AFC right now. Runners-up: 49ers, Bills.
Most Disappointing Team
Eagles: How can the "Dream Team" be 3-5 at the midway point? Their playoff dreams are turning into a nightmare. Runners-up: Chargers, Chiefs.
Pick I want back
Putting the Miami Dolphins in the playoffs. Did I really do that? They've won one game. Nice pick, idiot.
