Nominees:
1. Adrian Peterson
2. Peyton Manning
Comeback Player of the Year:
Nominees:
1. Adrian Peterson
2. Peyton Manning
Offensive Player of the Year:
Nominees:
1. Adrian Peterson
2. Peyton Manning
Nominees:
1. Adrian Peterson
2. Peyton Manning
Defensive Player of the Year:
Nominees:
1. J.J. Watt
2. Aldon Smith
3. Von Miller
Offensive Rookie of the Year
1. Robert Griffin III
2. Andrew Luck
3. Russell Wilson
As a rather bizarre 2012 NFL Season comes to a close, two of the biggest names have been players who have returned to have amazing seasons, following devastating injuries. Those names are none other than, Peyton Manning, and Adrian Peterson. Both men are head and shoulder candidates for both MVP, and Comeback Player of the Year.
Case for Peyton Manning:
Peyton Manning missed the ENTIRE 2011 season, because of a major, career-threatening neck surgery. There was very heavy doubt, that he would ever play again, because of how crucial his injury was. If his neck was not properly repaired, then his passing ability would have been greatly hindered. However, Manning has silenced his critics (Including myself). From the start of the season, Peyton Manning came out blazing, without missing a beat. In Week 1, Manning picked the Steelers defense apart in a Win on Sunday Night Football. Manning's season has been filled with a handful of comebacks. This season, Manning became the NFL's All-Time Leader in Comebacks. The difference between his comebacks, and Tim Tebow's is that he does much more to impact the team during that stretch. It also helps to have a great defense on the other side of the ball, to disrupt the other team. The Denver Broncos have received a great transformation, and rejuvenation after being the publicity circus of the NFL (Tebowmania). Now, Denver is a very serious contender, because they replaced an overhyped scrub (Tebow), with a bonafide legend (Peyton Manning). Manning is still up to his usual numbers, (Completing 347-511 Passes, 4,016 yards, 31 TDs, 10 INTs, 7.9 YPA, Comp. Pct: 67.9%, QB Rating: 103.5) while leading the Broncos to an 11-3 record, with a projected 2nd seed in the AFC. Now, the Defense doesn't have to carry as much of a load, with a 1st Ballot Hall of Famer, and Top 3 QB of all-time on their team. If Manning wins the MVP, he will be the 1st QB in NFL History to win 5 MVP Award. What a difference a year makes, both for Peyton and the Broncos.
Case for Adrian Peterson:
Adrian Peterson has made a remarkable comeback this season, after having a sub-par year in 2011. Peterson is making a tremendous comeback, with his best season since 2008. However, it has been rather tough for people to fully appreciate Peterson's work, because of how his team has under performed. To add further insult, Peterson has also had nagging injuries during his career, which have caused others to question his durability. The attention was also diverted from him, when big names such as Brett Favre, and Randy Moss came for a temporary run. However, he has always been the most consistent piece. I have always been a huge AP supporter, like I am with Peyton. However, it was tough for me to initially defend him, because of how bad his team had played. This season, AP has had an incredible resurgence. (289 Carries, 1,812 yards-Career high, 6.3 YPC, 11 TDs) The highlights of Peterson's season include the following (A 210-yard game in a loss vs. Green Bay, and a 212-yard game in a win vs. The St. Louis Rams). This has further validated my case, as to why he is the best running back of this era. Adrian Peterson has also been featured on the cover of this year's "Sports Illustrated". AP is on pace to break Eric Dickerson's Single-Season Rushing Record (2,105-1984). He is only 300 yards away from the record, which means he would have to average 150 yards per game in the last two games. This upcoming game against the Texans will be extremely crucial, because of how strong the D has been playing. If Peterson breaks the record, there is no question that he should walk away with the NFL MVP Award. With his play, the Vikings have a strong grip on a Wild Card spot.
Defensive Player of the Year:
Case for J.J. Watt:
J.J. Watt has been the building block of the Houston Texans' Defense this season. Watt is the first player since 1982 to have 15 or more sacks, and 15 or more passes deflected in a single season (Sacks were officially recognized in 1982). J.J. Watt has been a pass blocking machine. The Texans currently ranked 7th in the NFL in Defense, while allowing 325.9 ypg, causing 22 Fumbles, and recovering 13 of them. Watt leads his team in tackles (74). He also leads both his team, and the league in sacks (20.5-1st). With Watt, the Texans finally broke through with a playoff appearance last season. This year, Houston has clinched the AFC South division, and is projected to have the 1st seed, with a 1st Round Bye. Watt recorded a career-high 10 tackles in the Week 15 win vs. The Colts. He also had two games with 3 Deflected Passes (Week 1 vs. Dolphins, Week 5 vs. Jets). If Watt breaks Michael Strahan's Single Season Sack Record (23.5-2001), along with being the sole leader in Sacks, he deserves the DPOY.
Case for Aldon Smith:
Aldon Smith has been the focal point of the Niners' Defense this season, which is tremendous. Smith's incredibly long reach has helped him record 19.5 sacks (2nd in NFL). He also has 64 tackles, and 3 forced fumbles. Smith's presence in San Fran's LB Corps, with Patrick Willis and Navorro Bowman, is what has launched the team to the number 2 Defense in the NFL (allowing only 296.5 ypg, causing 20 fumbles, and recovering 10). Smith has 33.5 sacks in his first two seasons, the most of any player in NFL history. Aldon is an absolute terrorizer, when it comes to pressure from the outside. Smith recorded a season-high 5 sacks, in the Week 11 win vs. The Bears. The Niners have clinched the NFC West Division, and are projected as the 3rd seed in the playoffs, in large part to Smith's contributions as their most dominant pass rusher. As I have said with Watt, if Smith breaks Strahan's sack record, he could win the DPOY Award.
Case for Von Miller:
Von Miller has been the heartbeat of the Denver Broncos Defense. Miller's 17.5 sacks has engineered the Broncos to the number 3 defense in the league (allowing 302.2 ypg, forcing 23 fumbles, and recovering 8). Miller's speed to shed tight ends, and blockers has helped him become a major threat to the quarterback. Even though Miller is 3rd in Sacks, his impact for a defensive monster has got to be taken into very strong account. The Broncos Defensive Corps has vaunted Denver to become one of the top 2 seeds in the AFC. Just like Houston, Denver's pass rush has a great deal to contribute to that. Miller's ability to disrupt the ball carrier has been tremendous, as he has recorded 6 forced fumbles (1st for his team). Miller is also 3rd on his team in tackles (65). Von Miller is certainly the dark horse of this race for NFL DPOY.
Additional Note: Smith, Watt, and Miller all came into the league in 2011. Each player is having an incredible breakout sophomore season. All three are head and shoulders above the rest in Defense. Their monstrous pass-rushing abilities have set them ahead of the rest of the pack.
Offensive Rookie of the Year:
Case for Robert Griffin III:
Robert Griffin III has been the main rejuvenating force for the Washington Redskins becoming contenders agian. RG III's spectacular play has made him one of the most transcendent level rookies the league has ever seen. I am not saying that for sensationalism, but his play speaks for itself. Griffin's play has raised the level of his team around him. His amazing blend of passing ability, amazing speed, and pure athleticism, have made him a major threat for opposing teams all season. I may not be a fan of his team, but he is the one player from that franchise that I have the greatest deal of respect. This season, RG III has completed 249 out of 375 passes, 3,100 yards, 20 TD's, and 5 INT's, with a QB Rating of 104.1. Griffin's mobility has also enabled him to rush for 752 yards. As the quintessential leader of the Redskins, Griffin has put them in the best position to grab the NFC East division. The sky is the limit for RG III.
Case for Andrew Luck:
Andrew Luck was drafted 1st overall by the Colts, with the weight of replacing a legend in Peyton Manning. So far, Luck has adapted very well to the pros. Within the course of a year, the Colts have gone from being the doormat of the NFL, to being back in contention. Indy is currently 2nd in their division, thanks to the strong play of Andrew Luck. Luck has been phenomenal as the Colts catalyst, engineering incredible comebacks through the course of the season (Traditional Colts football). Andrew Luck has completed 325 out of 599 passes, leads all rookies with 4,183 yards, and 21 touchdowns, with a QB Rating of 75.6. Luck's 18 interceptions have given a hit to his rating, but he is making a strong adjustment (Peyton Manning threw 28 INT's his rookie year). The Colts are now a projected 5th seed in the AFC. This is a great sign of things to come, for both Andrew Luck, and the Colts.
Case for Russell Wilson:
Russell Wilson has been the dark horse/sleeper for the NFL Offensive ROY Award. Wilson's leadership has made the Seahawks a surprise playoff contender. Coming off of an offseason where Matt Flynn was signed for an insane amount of money, Russell Wilson has made him an afterthought. In spite of the controversial game against the Packers, Wilson has been amazing. For someone under 6'0" (5'11"), Wilson has excelled, and gone beyond everyone's expectations of him. Russell has totally flown underneath the radar, especially with this surge heading into the playoffs. Wilson has completed 237 out of 374 passes, 2,868 yards, 25 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and a QB Rating 98.0.
Nominees:
1. J.J. Watt
2. Aldon Smith
3. Von Miller
Offensive Rookie of the Year
1. Robert Griffin III
2. Andrew Luck
3. Russell Wilson
As a rather bizarre 2012 NFL Season comes to a close, two of the biggest names have been players who have returned to have amazing seasons, following devastating injuries. Those names are none other than, Peyton Manning, and Adrian Peterson. Both men are head and shoulder candidates for both MVP, and Comeback Player of the Year.
Case for Peyton Manning:
Peyton Manning missed the ENTIRE 2011 season, because of a major, career-threatening neck surgery. There was very heavy doubt, that he would ever play again, because of how crucial his injury was. If his neck was not properly repaired, then his passing ability would have been greatly hindered. However, Manning has silenced his critics (Including myself). From the start of the season, Peyton Manning came out blazing, without missing a beat. In Week 1, Manning picked the Steelers defense apart in a Win on Sunday Night Football. Manning's season has been filled with a handful of comebacks. This season, Manning became the NFL's All-Time Leader in Comebacks. The difference between his comebacks, and Tim Tebow's is that he does much more to impact the team during that stretch. It also helps to have a great defense on the other side of the ball, to disrupt the other team. The Denver Broncos have received a great transformation, and rejuvenation after being the publicity circus of the NFL (Tebowmania). Now, Denver is a very serious contender, because they replaced an overhyped scrub (Tebow), with a bonafide legend (Peyton Manning). Manning is still up to his usual numbers, (Completing 347-511 Passes, 4,016 yards, 31 TDs, 10 INTs, 7.9 YPA, Comp. Pct: 67.9%, QB Rating: 103.5) while leading the Broncos to an 11-3 record, with a projected 2nd seed in the AFC. Now, the Defense doesn't have to carry as much of a load, with a 1st Ballot Hall of Famer, and Top 3 QB of all-time on their team. If Manning wins the MVP, he will be the 1st QB in NFL History to win 5 MVP Award. What a difference a year makes, both for Peyton and the Broncos.
Case for Adrian Peterson:
Adrian Peterson has made a remarkable comeback this season, after having a sub-par year in 2011. Peterson is making a tremendous comeback, with his best season since 2008. However, it has been rather tough for people to fully appreciate Peterson's work, because of how his team has under performed. To add further insult, Peterson has also had nagging injuries during his career, which have caused others to question his durability. The attention was also diverted from him, when big names such as Brett Favre, and Randy Moss came for a temporary run. However, he has always been the most consistent piece. I have always been a huge AP supporter, like I am with Peyton. However, it was tough for me to initially defend him, because of how bad his team had played. This season, AP has had an incredible resurgence. (289 Carries, 1,812 yards-Career high, 6.3 YPC, 11 TDs) The highlights of Peterson's season include the following (A 210-yard game in a loss vs. Green Bay, and a 212-yard game in a win vs. The St. Louis Rams). This has further validated my case, as to why he is the best running back of this era. Adrian Peterson has also been featured on the cover of this year's "Sports Illustrated". AP is on pace to break Eric Dickerson's Single-Season Rushing Record (2,105-1984). He is only 300 yards away from the record, which means he would have to average 150 yards per game in the last two games. This upcoming game against the Texans will be extremely crucial, because of how strong the D has been playing. If Peterson breaks the record, there is no question that he should walk away with the NFL MVP Award. With his play, the Vikings have a strong grip on a Wild Card spot.
Defensive Player of the Year:
Case for J.J. Watt:
J.J. Watt has been the building block of the Houston Texans' Defense this season. Watt is the first player since 1982 to have 15 or more sacks, and 15 or more passes deflected in a single season (Sacks were officially recognized in 1982). J.J. Watt has been a pass blocking machine. The Texans currently ranked 7th in the NFL in Defense, while allowing 325.9 ypg, causing 22 Fumbles, and recovering 13 of them. Watt leads his team in tackles (74). He also leads both his team, and the league in sacks (20.5-1st). With Watt, the Texans finally broke through with a playoff appearance last season. This year, Houston has clinched the AFC South division, and is projected to have the 1st seed, with a 1st Round Bye. Watt recorded a career-high 10 tackles in the Week 15 win vs. The Colts. He also had two games with 3 Deflected Passes (Week 1 vs. Dolphins, Week 5 vs. Jets). If Watt breaks Michael Strahan's Single Season Sack Record (23.5-2001), along with being the sole leader in Sacks, he deserves the DPOY.
Case for Aldon Smith:
Aldon Smith has been the focal point of the Niners' Defense this season, which is tremendous. Smith's incredibly long reach has helped him record 19.5 sacks (2nd in NFL). He also has 64 tackles, and 3 forced fumbles. Smith's presence in San Fran's LB Corps, with Patrick Willis and Navorro Bowman, is what has launched the team to the number 2 Defense in the NFL (allowing only 296.5 ypg, causing 20 fumbles, and recovering 10). Smith has 33.5 sacks in his first two seasons, the most of any player in NFL history. Aldon is an absolute terrorizer, when it comes to pressure from the outside. Smith recorded a season-high 5 sacks, in the Week 11 win vs. The Bears. The Niners have clinched the NFC West Division, and are projected as the 3rd seed in the playoffs, in large part to Smith's contributions as their most dominant pass rusher. As I have said with Watt, if Smith breaks Strahan's sack record, he could win the DPOY Award.
Case for Von Miller:
Von Miller has been the heartbeat of the Denver Broncos Defense. Miller's 17.5 sacks has engineered the Broncos to the number 3 defense in the league (allowing 302.2 ypg, forcing 23 fumbles, and recovering 8). Miller's speed to shed tight ends, and blockers has helped him become a major threat to the quarterback. Even though Miller is 3rd in Sacks, his impact for a defensive monster has got to be taken into very strong account. The Broncos Defensive Corps has vaunted Denver to become one of the top 2 seeds in the AFC. Just like Houston, Denver's pass rush has a great deal to contribute to that. Miller's ability to disrupt the ball carrier has been tremendous, as he has recorded 6 forced fumbles (1st for his team). Miller is also 3rd on his team in tackles (65). Von Miller is certainly the dark horse of this race for NFL DPOY.
Additional Note: Smith, Watt, and Miller all came into the league in 2011. Each player is having an incredible breakout sophomore season. All three are head and shoulders above the rest in Defense. Their monstrous pass-rushing abilities have set them ahead of the rest of the pack.
Offensive Rookie of the Year:
Case for Robert Griffin III:
Robert Griffin III has been the main rejuvenating force for the Washington Redskins becoming contenders agian. RG III's spectacular play has made him one of the most transcendent level rookies the league has ever seen. I am not saying that for sensationalism, but his play speaks for itself. Griffin's play has raised the level of his team around him. His amazing blend of passing ability, amazing speed, and pure athleticism, have made him a major threat for opposing teams all season. I may not be a fan of his team, but he is the one player from that franchise that I have the greatest deal of respect. This season, RG III has completed 249 out of 375 passes, 3,100 yards, 20 TD's, and 5 INT's, with a QB Rating of 104.1. Griffin's mobility has also enabled him to rush for 752 yards. As the quintessential leader of the Redskins, Griffin has put them in the best position to grab the NFC East division. The sky is the limit for RG III.
Case for Andrew Luck:
Andrew Luck was drafted 1st overall by the Colts, with the weight of replacing a legend in Peyton Manning. So far, Luck has adapted very well to the pros. Within the course of a year, the Colts have gone from being the doormat of the NFL, to being back in contention. Indy is currently 2nd in their division, thanks to the strong play of Andrew Luck. Luck has been phenomenal as the Colts catalyst, engineering incredible comebacks through the course of the season (Traditional Colts football). Andrew Luck has completed 325 out of 599 passes, leads all rookies with 4,183 yards, and 21 touchdowns, with a QB Rating of 75.6. Luck's 18 interceptions have given a hit to his rating, but he is making a strong adjustment (Peyton Manning threw 28 INT's his rookie year). The Colts are now a projected 5th seed in the AFC. This is a great sign of things to come, for both Andrew Luck, and the Colts.
Case for Russell Wilson:
Russell Wilson has been the dark horse/sleeper for the NFL Offensive ROY Award. Wilson's leadership has made the Seahawks a surprise playoff contender. Coming off of an offseason where Matt Flynn was signed for an insane amount of money, Russell Wilson has made him an afterthought. In spite of the controversial game against the Packers, Wilson has been amazing. For someone under 6'0" (5'11"), Wilson has excelled, and gone beyond everyone's expectations of him. Russell has totally flown underneath the radar, especially with this surge heading into the playoffs. Wilson has completed 237 out of 374 passes, 2,868 yards, 25 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and a QB Rating 98.0.
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