NFL Most Valuable Player: Adrian Peterson
Offensive Player of the Year: Adrian Peterson
Congratulations to Minnesota Vikings Running Back Adrian Peterson for winning the 2012 NFL AP (Associated Press) Most Valuable Player Award. This season, Peterson proved why he is without a doubt the "Best Running Back of this Era". After a miraculous recovery from a torn ACL suffered in the last game of the 2011 season, AP went on a rampage. (348 Rushes, 2,097 Rushing Yards 6.0 YPC, 13 Total TD's) Although he was just 9 yards shy of breaking Eric Dickerson's Single Season Rushing Record (2,105-1984), his season was actually slightly more impressive when you look at the entire picture:
Adrian Peterson (2012)
Carries: 348
Rushing Yards: 2,097
Yards Per Carry: 6.0
Touchdowns: 13
Yards from Scrimmage: 2,314
All-Purpose Yards: 2,314
vs.
Eric Dickerson (1984)
Carries: 379
Rushing Yards: 2,105
Yards Per Carry: 5.6
Touchdowns: 14
Yards from Scrimmage: 2,244
All-Purpose Yards: 2,244
Although Peterson had nine less yards, he still had 31 fewer carries. He also averaged more yards per carry than Dickerson, with only one Touchdown less than him. So if he broke the record, it would have been much more impressive, especially when today's game is designed more for passing. Another interesting fact is that Adrian Peterson only had 4 fumbles, while Dickerson had 14 fumbles in 1984. AP also had compiled more yards from scrimmage, and all-purpose yards than Dickerson. What is even more fascinating, is the fact that both Dickerson and Peterson led teams with a 10-6 record (Both 2nd in their division). Adrian Peterson also carried more weight on his team than Peyton Manning. Without Peterson, the Vikings would have gone absolutely nowhere (more on that later). The MVP race was very close. So close, that whoever won MVP, the 2nd place finisher would win Comeback Player of the Year. It just so happened that Peterson edged Manning out. AP also averaged a career-high 131.1 ypg this season as well. Adrian Peterson was the driving force carrying the Minnesota Vikings as far as he could, until they ran into the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card Round. I am not cherry picking stats here and there like the media (ESPN), because unlike them, I compare players who are deserving. I don't compare games here and there, but look at the full seasons, to put things in perspective. In this case, even though AP came so short, he was still more impressive in other areas. When talking about the Most Valuable Player, Peterson fit that title perfectly, because he is their only centerpiece. As his career progresses (barring injury), Adrian Peterson is on a rapid pace to breaking into the top 10-15 running backs of all-time. What a HUGE difference a year makes. Last season, Peterson rushed for a career-low 970 yards. To bounce back from that low of a point, is remarkable. To paraphrase the great LL Cool J: "Don't Call It A Comeback, he is the League MVP!"
Comeback Player of the Year: Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning's comeback season was spectacular. While being sidelined for the entire 2011-12 NFL Season, Peyton had to stand and watch his Colts team suffer, because he had a career-threatening neck injury. Without him, the Colts looked like a pee-wee football team. Manning had to undergo four neck surgeries, which included a cervical neck fusion to help repair damaged nerves. Thankfully it was successful, because if his neck was gone, his arm would suffer as well. This season, Peyton did not miss a beat, because his numbers were similar, even with a different uniform. This was his season to make a MAJOR statement, and he did. (Completing 400-583 passes, 4,659 yards, 37 Touchdowns, 11 Interceptions, 8.0 YPA, Comp. Pct: 68.6%, QB Rating: 105.8) This was actually his second-best season in terms of passing yards, next to his 2010 season. (4,700) This season, he ranked 6th in GW drives (3), and 7th in comebacks (3). Talk about a comeback! Ironically, in a bizarre season filled with replacement refs, missing coaches, etc, the brightest stars were not only rookies (RGIII, Luck, Wilson), but also players coming off of injuries. (Peterson, P. Manning) The Top 2 MVP candidates were players coming off of career-threatening injuries. (AP-ACL tear, Peyton-neck injury) While Adrian Peterson was the primary force for a 10 win Vikings team, Peyton Manning joined a very well-balanced Denver Broncos team, that has all the tools he could ask for: Running Game (Willis McGahee, Knowshon Moreno), Receiving Corps (Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, Jacob Tamme, Brandon Stokley), along with a Stellar Defense (Von Miller, Elvis Dumervil, Wesley Woodyard, Rahim Moore, Champ Bailey, Chris Harris, etc), led by a great coaching staff. (Head Coach: John Fox, Offensive Coordinator: Mike McCoy, Defensive Coordinator: Jack Del Rio) With Manning leading the way, many of these players were able to shine in a way that they could not, with Tim Tebow as the QB. (SMH) Now, Denver is armed (no-pun intended) with a Legend controlling the offense. Peyton Manning is the ultimate field general. His IQ is spectacular, precision is deadly, and veteran leadership is crucial to help this team make it to the next level. The NFL Comeback Player of the Year is most fitting for someone who was sidelined for an ENTIRE SEASON, then returning for an amazing campaign. Congratulations Peyton Manning for making the comeback, because you've been here for years, rocking the league, putting opponents in fear!
Defensive Player of the Year: J.J. Watt
J.J. Watt has clearly been the focal point of the Houston Texans Defense. This season, Watt has carried the most weight out of any defensive player in the league. He has been a double-threat, both as a pass rusher and blocker. This season, Watt led the league in Sacks (20.5), and Pass Deflections (16). He also recorded 81 Tackles. Watt has tied Lawrence Taylor's 1986 mark of 20.5 sacks. That season, LT won DPOY. As I have said before, J.J. Watt has become the first player since 1982 to record at least 15 sacks, and 15 deflections in the exact same season. Watt has been a machine in many ways for the Texans, and has been the largest force for their Defense. With Watt leading the way, Houston finished 3rd in the NFL in Defense, while allowing 327.5 ypg, causing 29 Fumbles, recovering 14 of them. The Texans also made a 2nd straight playoff appearance this season. Meanwhile, fellow pass rushers like Aldon Smith and Von Miller have had extra help in their Defensive Corps. Aldon Smith has other monsters such as Patrick Willis, Navarro Bowman, and Ahmad Brooks in the Linebacker Corps. Justin Smith was also a pass rushing beast from the front line. Von Miller had Wesley Woodyard and Elvis Dumervil in his Defensive Corps. Aldon Smith, and Miller were the top 2 runner-ups to Watt. (A. Smith- 19.5 Sacks, V. Miller- 18.5 Sacks)
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Robert Griffin III
Robert Griffin III was clearly the lifeblood that rejuvenated the Washington Redskins. I have never seen this franchise this enthusiastic in a very long time. I was not even born when Doug Williams played for this team, but this has got to be close to the momentum the fans felt when he played. Only difference is, Robert's career is only starting, while Doug was on his way out. Griffin has inspired the city of Washington, D.C., and has brought the morale of both the fans, and the team to a new high. Griffin has elevated the game of Santana Moss, much like how Cam Newton has elevated a declining Steve Smith on a horrible Panthers team. RG III was brilliant in a stacked rookie QB class, with the likes of Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson. Each of these Award Races were highly competitive. (MVP, Comeback Player, DPOY, ROY) The Redskins were the perennial laughingstock of not only the NFC East, but the entire NFL. Now, they are a major threat in the NFC. The Skins have made their first playoff appearance since 2007. Griffin is a very exceptional playmaker, and passer. RG III has completed 258/393 passes, 3,200 yards, 20 Touchdowns, 5 Interceptions, 8.1 YPA, Comp. Pct: 65.6%, QB Rating: 102.4. Griffin also rushed for 815 yards, and 7 Touchdowns. This terrific production has also earned him a trip to the Pro Bowl. Griffin has also engineered 3 4th Quarter Comebacks, and 2 Game-Winning Drives. I was convinced even more, when RG III carved up my Dallas Cowboys like a Thanksgiving Turkey at Cowboys Stadium, and then played through his pain later on at the end of the season. I believe that his personality, marketing, and resilience have earned him extra points to win this award. Not taking anything away, because he can really ball, but this race was truly closer than what people think. As a Cowboys fan, I would love to have RG III as my QB over Romo, without hesitation. In order for RG III to continue his success and extend his career, he would need to have a better offensive line to protect him. He would also need to slightly add extra muscle so that his body does not break down so fast. Overall, there is a huge upside for not only Robert Griffin III, but other young dynamic QBs. (Luck, Wilson, Kaepernick) Other than that, the sky is the limit.
