2011 NFL Awards and "All-Holy Crap" Team
The Super Bowl is all set, Giants vs. Patriots next week from Indianapolis, but before the big game can be played, the league's best superstars will be on display one more time this season from the Pro Bowl in Honolulu, Hawaii.
A lot of familiar faces in this year's Pro Bowl, but some new comers as well, and even some rookies, including Bengals' QB Andy Dalton and WR A.J. Green. There are a lot of great players in the NFL, but you have to admit, there are just some guys that make your jaw drop and say, "Holy Crap!"
All the NFL experts have their All-Pro teams from John Clayton of ESPN, Peter King of Sports Illustrated, to even The Associated Press having their own All-Pro team. So, with a week till the Super Bowl, why not come up with my own version of an NFL All-Pro team, the NFL "All-Holy Crap" team if you will.
Therefore, here's my 2011 NFL "All-Holy Crap" team, a group of guys that I would want on my team based on what I saw from them this past season and this season alone. That will be followed by the handing out of awards, everything from MVP, to Executive of the Year for the 2011 NFL season.
"All-Holy Crap Team"
OFFENSE
QB Aaron Rodgers, Packers: You could make the argument for Drew Brees or Tom Brady here, but Rodgers threw 45 TD, with only had 6 INT, while leading the Packers to a 15-1 record. Brady led his team to the Super Bowl, and Brees broke the single-season passing record, but watching Rodgers play quarterback this season, was simply a thing of beauty.
Runner-Ups: Drew Brees, Saints; Tom Brady, Patriots.
RB Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars: I love what Peter King said about MJD, "When your foes know you're the only even remote offensive threat on the team, and you win the rushing title by 242 yards, that's impressive." Jacksonville was terrible on offense this year and for Jones-Drew to still average 4.7 yards/carry and rush for a career high 1,606-yards, that's worthy of a "Holy Crap."
Runner-Ups: LeSean McCoy, Eagles; Arian Foster, Texans; Ray Rice, Ravens.
FB Vonta Leach, Ravens: One of the main reasons why RB Ray Rice and the Ravens rushing attack was so effective this year was because they had Leach, a human wrecking ball, as their led blocker.
Runner-Up: Since there are so few fullbacks, I'm having trouble even thinking of another guy, and even if I did, no one was better than Leach this season.
WR Calvin Johnson, Lions: Does this one even need explaining? His 96 receptions for 1681-yards lead the league, and Calvin also pulled in 16 TD. Megatron was unstoppable this season and his outstanding season helped the Lions get back to the playoffs.
WR Victor Cruz, Giants: Before people get all upset about why I left off Wes Welker, let me explain. Welker had another excellent season, leading the league with 122 receptions, but he was not as impressive, at least in my eyes, as Victor Cruz. The second year man out of UMASS was sensational with 82 receptions, 1,536 receiving yards, a Giants franchise record, and 9 TD. Besides Megatron, no receiver was more fun to watch this season than Victor Cruz, and it's a crime he was not elected to the Pro Bowl.
Wide Receiver Runner-Ups: Wes Welker, Patriots; Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals; A.J. Green, Bengals; Jordy Nelson, Packers.
TE Rob Gronkowski, Patriots: It was the year of the tight end in the NFL and this one is a no brainer. "Gronk" set NFL records this year for tight ends with 1,327-yards receiving and 17 TD.
Runner-Up: Jimmy Graham, Saints: Graham made a strong case for the being the best tight end in the league, but he was 17-yards and 6 TD behind Gronkowski's records. Those records probably won't stand for long though, with these guys only getting better in the years to come.
RT Joe Thomas, Browns: Thomas was listed on almost everybody's All-Pro team and he will be starting for the AFC in the Pro Bowl.
Runner-Up: Jake Long, Dolphins.
RG Carl Nicks, Saints: One of the reasons why QB Drew Brees and the Saints offense put up ridiculous amounts of yards and points this season was because of the offensive line, and it starts with Nicks and fellow guard Jari Evans.
Runner-Up: Logan Mankins, Patriots.
C Nick Mangold, Jets: When Mangold went down with an injury this season and had to miss some games, the Jets were a completely different team on offense, which I think shows just important Mangold is to the Jets success. Unfortunately for the Jets, the guy under center really struggled this year and is one of the main reasons why they missed the playoffs.
Runner-Ups: Scott Wells, Packers; Maurkice Pouncey, Steelers.
LG Jari Evans, Saints: Nicks and Evans are the two best guards in the game and they both were on The Associated Press 2011 All-Pro team. According to The Associated Press, it was the first time since 1953 that both first-team guards were from the same team.
Runner-Up: Marshall Yanda, Ravens
LT Eric Winston, Texans: John Clayton and Peter King had Winston on their list and the Texans had a great offensive line this season and as Clayton said, "The Texans' line blocked so well that they had to have somebody on the All-Pro list."
Runner-Ups: Jason Peters, Eagles; Joe Staley, 49ers. These guys aren't left tackles, but both had very solid seasons up front in the trenches. And how impressive was Joe Staley's down field block on the Alex Smith touchdown run against the Saints two weeks ago? "Holy Crap!"
DEFENSE
DE Jared Allen, Vikings: Allen played on a very bad Vikings team this season, but that did not stop him from almost breaking Michael Strahan's single-season sack record with 22 sacks.
DT Haloti Ngata, Ravens: An absolute monster and one of the leaders of a very good Baltimore Ravens defense.
DT Justin Smith, 49ers: Smith played both tackle and end this season, and he was dominant at both. Remember this play when Smith drove Pro Bowl tackle Jermon Bushrod into Drew Brees and brought him down with one arm? That's the kind of plays Smith made all season and is why he could be this year's NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
DE Jason-Pierre Paul, Giants: There was a lot of great defensive line players this year, but I have to put JPP on here ahead of some other very good players listed below. Pierre-Paul really made great strides in his second season with 82 tackles and 16.5 sacks, and he is one of the main reasons why the Giants have the league's best defensive line.
Defensive Line Runner-Ups: Jason Babin, Eagles; Elvis Dumervil, Broncos; Richard Seymour, Raiders; Vince Wilfork, Patriots; Geno Atkins, Bengals.
OLB Terrell Suggs, Ravens: Suggs was great throughout with three games of three sacks or more, but what defined his season for me was the game against the Bengals on 11/20. The Bengals had it 1st and Goal and needing a touchdown to tie the game. On four straight plays the Ravens only rushed three defenders and Suggs still got pressure on QB Andy Dalton every single time. The Bengals offensive line isn't the greatest, but for one guy to be that dominant down on the goal line, with the game on line in the 4th quarter, is worth a "Holy Crap!"
MLB NaVarro Bowman, 49ers: I almost put another 49er, Patrick Willis here, but I was so impressed by the season NaVarro Bowman had. It was Bowman, not Willis, who led the 49ers defense in tackles with 143. Willis, Justin Smith, Aldon Smith and Co. were excellent for San Francisco on defense this year and in my opinion, but no middle linebacker was more impressive than NaVarro Bowman.
OLB DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys: Ware is one of those guys that offenses have to account for on every single play and teams know they have to block him, but they still haven't figured out how. Ware was yet again one of the league leaders in sacks with 19.5, which as John Clayton said, "Came in what seemed a quiet season for him."
Linebacker Runner-Ups: Maybe the best position group in football this year and it was hard to leave off these guys. Brian Cushing, Texans; Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson, Chiefs; Von Miller, Broncos; James Harrison, Steelers; Clay Matthews, Packers; Aldon Smith and Patrick Willis, 49ers.
CB Darrelle Revis, Jets: Revis Island became a very crowded place this season.
S Eric Weddle, Chargers: Weddle was tied for the league lead with seven interceptions and he also was third on the team with 88 tackles.
S Troy Polamalu, Steelers: One of the most dynamic players in the NFL, one that can change an entire game on any given play, and the guy is almost impossible to game plan against because he is all over the field.
CB Johnathan Joseph, Texans: The Houston defense had a big problem last season, and was one of the worst in the league, but what a difference a year makes. With the addition of guys like J.J. Watt, Brooks Reed, and Johnathan Joseph, the Texans had one of the league's best defenses this season. J-Joe earn a trip to the Pro Bowl in his first year in Houston with 44 tackles, 15 passes defended, and he was tied for the team lead in interceptions with four.
Secondary Runner-Ups: Charles Woodson, Packers; Carlos Rogers, 49ers; Ed Reed, Ravens; Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor, Seahawks.
SPECIALISTS
K David Akers, 49ers: He set NFL records this season with 44 field goals in 52 attempts and Akers kicks played a big role in the 49ers going 13-3.
P Andy Lee, 49ers: I put Lee here ahead of Oakland's Shane Lechler for three reasons. Lee had a higher punting gross average (50.9 yards), a higher net average (44.6 yards), and he had more punts downed inside the 20-yard line (28) than Lechler did.
Returner Patrick Peterson, Cardinals: Devin Hester usual dominates this area of the All-Pro teams, but not this year. Peterson had four return TDs and broke Louis Lipps' rookie punt return yardage record, according to John Clayton.
Specialist Runner-Ups: Returner Darren Sproles, Saints. K Sebastian Janikowski and P Shane Lechler, Raiders. Kind of peculiar that the league's two best kicker/punter duos are on the same two teams and all four guys play in the San Francisco Bay area.
2011 AWARDS
MVP: QB Aaron Rodgers, Packers. Here's what I said a few weeks ago about why Rodgers should win MVP over Drew Brees and I still stand by my reasons.
"Tough decision between Brees and Rodgers for MVP, but I'd give the edge to Rodgers for three reasons. Rodgers beat Brees in Week 1, 42-34. Rodgers threw fewer interceptions (Rodgers - 6, Brees - 14), and the Packers had a better record of 15-1, than the Saints at 13-3. It should be a close race, but I think Rodgers will walk away as league MVP."
Runner-Up: Drew Brees and one could really make a compelling argument for why Peyton Manning should win MVP, just saying.
Offensive Player of the Year: QB Drew Brees, Saints. Rodgers might have won MVP, but no one statistically, has ever had a season like the one Drew Brees had. 468 completions, 71.2 completion percentage, and 5,476 yards passing, all NFL records. Brees also threw 46 TD passes and he lead a Saints offense that scored 547 points and set an NFL record with 7,474 yards of total offense.
Runner-Ups: Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady.
Defensive Player of the Year: LB Terrell Suggs, Ravens. I went back and forth on this one, but I was just so impressed with the season Suggs had for the Ravens in 2011, I had to give him Defensive POY. Jared Allen may have led the league in sacks, and Justin Smith might have been the best player on the league's best defense, but Suggs had me saying, "Holy Crap," more than any other defensive player this season. Suggs had 70 tackles, two interceptions, was tied for fifth in the league with 14 sacks, and he led the league with seven forced fumbles. Impressive season for T-Sizzle.
Runner-Ups: Justin Smith and Jared Allen.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: QB Cam Newton, Panthers. Quite the year for the number one overall pick out of Auburn. Cam Newton completely turned around the Carolina offense and transformed them into one of the most dangerous in the league. Newton threw for 4,051-yards, 21 TD, and he ran for 706-yards, 14 TD, and he's only a rookie. After what Newton did this season, I expect big things from the Panthers in 2012.
Runner-Ups: Bengals QB/WR duo, Andy Dalton and A.J. Green. Sorry Bengals fans, I love what Dalton and Green did this year, but Cam Newton statistically had the best rookie season in NFL history.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: LB Aldon Smith, 49ers. I was really torn between Smith and Von Miller for Defensive ROY, but after much consideration, I was more impressive with the play of Smith this season compared to Miller. Both guys were excellent in their rookie seasons, but Smith was tied with Terrell Suggs for fifth in the league with 14 sacks, which also led all rookies, and he was a star on one of the league's best defenses. Smith was arrested on Saturday and charged with DUI in Miami Beach, Florida, so that does tarnish his season some, but for what he did on the field, deserves recognition.
Runner-Up: LB Von Miller, Broncos
Coach of the Year: Jim Harbaugh, 49ers. A lot of great coaching jobs in the NFL this season from Jim Schwartz getting the Lions back to the playoffs, Sean Payton for what he did with the Saints offense, Mike McCarthy going 15-1 with the Packers, Bill Belichick because he's Bill Belichick, Gary Kubiak turning around the Texans, to Marvin Lewis leading the Bengals to the playoffs in a year where some thought they would be lucky to win a single game. However, when the season started, if anyone had the San Francisco 49ers going 13-3 and advancing all the way to the NFC Championship game with a rookie head coach, please let me know. The job Jim Harbaugh did with QB Alex Smith and the 49ers this season was very, very impressive.
Runner-Ups: Jim Schwartz, Lions; Sean Payton, Saints; Mike McCarthy, Packers; Bill Belichick, Patriots; Gary Kubiak, Texans; Marvin Lewis, Bengals.
Executive of the Year: Mike Brown, Cincinnati Bengals. Not just because I'm a Bengals fan, but because Mike Brown really did a good job this year. SI's Peter King agreed saying about Brown, "Good draft netted long-term weaponry. Good trade raked Raiders over coals for Carson Palmer." I mean Mike Brown drafted Andy Dalton and A.J. Green, who were excellent, and got two possible first-round picks in the Carson Palmer trade. Job well done. Not to mention he had a buy one, get one free, ticket offer to sell out the final game of the season and he decided to move Bengals training camp to Paul Brown Stadium next season. What has happen to Mike Brown? I don't know, but I like what I'm seeing.
Runner-Up: No one, Mike Brown ran away with this one, which is still hard to fathom.
Coming up next week, a preview of Super Bowl XLVI, and who I see bringing home the Lombardi Trophy. As for the Pro Bowl on Sunday, I think it will be a high scoring affair, like it usually is, and I like the NFC to win. The NFC has more firepower on offense and Brees and Rodgers should light up the scoreboard. NFC 34, AFC 27.
Last Week: 2-0
Postseason: 6-4
A lot of familiar faces in this year's Pro Bowl, but some new comers as well, and even some rookies, including Bengals' QB Andy Dalton and WR A.J. Green. There are a lot of great players in the NFL, but you have to admit, there are just some guys that make your jaw drop and say, "Holy Crap!"
All the NFL experts have their All-Pro teams from John Clayton of ESPN, Peter King of Sports Illustrated, to even The Associated Press having their own All-Pro team. So, with a week till the Super Bowl, why not come up with my own version of an NFL All-Pro team, the NFL "All-Holy Crap" team if you will.
Therefore, here's my 2011 NFL "All-Holy Crap" team, a group of guys that I would want on my team based on what I saw from them this past season and this season alone. That will be followed by the handing out of awards, everything from MVP, to Executive of the Year for the 2011 NFL season.
"All-Holy Crap Team"
OFFENSE
QB Aaron Rodgers, Packers: You could make the argument for Drew Brees or Tom Brady here, but Rodgers threw 45 TD, with only had 6 INT, while leading the Packers to a 15-1 record. Brady led his team to the Super Bowl, and Brees broke the single-season passing record, but watching Rodgers play quarterback this season, was simply a thing of beauty.
Runner-Ups: Drew Brees, Saints; Tom Brady, Patriots.
RB Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars: I love what Peter King said about MJD, "When your foes know you're the only even remote offensive threat on the team, and you win the rushing title by 242 yards, that's impressive." Jacksonville was terrible on offense this year and for Jones-Drew to still average 4.7 yards/carry and rush for a career high 1,606-yards, that's worthy of a "Holy Crap."
Runner-Ups: LeSean McCoy, Eagles; Arian Foster, Texans; Ray Rice, Ravens.
FB Vonta Leach, Ravens: One of the main reasons why RB Ray Rice and the Ravens rushing attack was so effective this year was because they had Leach, a human wrecking ball, as their led blocker.
Runner-Up: Since there are so few fullbacks, I'm having trouble even thinking of another guy, and even if I did, no one was better than Leach this season.
WR Calvin Johnson, Lions: Does this one even need explaining? His 96 receptions for 1681-yards lead the league, and Calvin also pulled in 16 TD. Megatron was unstoppable this season and his outstanding season helped the Lions get back to the playoffs.
 |
| Victor Cruz had a tremendous season and could be dancing in next week's Super Bowl. (Getty Images) |
Wide Receiver Runner-Ups: Wes Welker, Patriots; Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals; A.J. Green, Bengals; Jordy Nelson, Packers.
TE Rob Gronkowski, Patriots: It was the year of the tight end in the NFL and this one is a no brainer. "Gronk" set NFL records this year for tight ends with 1,327-yards receiving and 17 TD.
Runner-Up: Jimmy Graham, Saints: Graham made a strong case for the being the best tight end in the league, but he was 17-yards and 6 TD behind Gronkowski's records. Those records probably won't stand for long though, with these guys only getting better in the years to come.
RT Joe Thomas, Browns: Thomas was listed on almost everybody's All-Pro team and he will be starting for the AFC in the Pro Bowl.
Runner-Up: Jake Long, Dolphins.
RG Carl Nicks, Saints: One of the reasons why QB Drew Brees and the Saints offense put up ridiculous amounts of yards and points this season was because of the offensive line, and it starts with Nicks and fellow guard Jari Evans.
Runner-Up: Logan Mankins, Patriots.
C Nick Mangold, Jets: When Mangold went down with an injury this season and had to miss some games, the Jets were a completely different team on offense, which I think shows just important Mangold is to the Jets success. Unfortunately for the Jets, the guy under center really struggled this year and is one of the main reasons why they missed the playoffs.
Runner-Ups: Scott Wells, Packers; Maurkice Pouncey, Steelers.
LG Jari Evans, Saints: Nicks and Evans are the two best guards in the game and they both were on The Associated Press 2011 All-Pro team. According to The Associated Press, it was the first time since 1953 that both first-team guards were from the same team.
Runner-Up: Marshall Yanda, Ravens
LT Eric Winston, Texans: John Clayton and Peter King had Winston on their list and the Texans had a great offensive line this season and as Clayton said, "The Texans' line blocked so well that they had to have somebody on the All-Pro list."
Runner-Ups: Jason Peters, Eagles; Joe Staley, 49ers. These guys aren't left tackles, but both had very solid seasons up front in the trenches. And how impressive was Joe Staley's down field block on the Alex Smith touchdown run against the Saints two weeks ago? "Holy Crap!"
 |
| Helmet or no helmet, Jared Allen gave opposing quarterbacks nightmares this season. (Ben Hays/Denver Broncos) |
DE Jared Allen, Vikings: Allen played on a very bad Vikings team this season, but that did not stop him from almost breaking Michael Strahan's single-season sack record with 22 sacks.
DT Haloti Ngata, Ravens: An absolute monster and one of the leaders of a very good Baltimore Ravens defense.
DT Justin Smith, 49ers: Smith played both tackle and end this season, and he was dominant at both. Remember this play when Smith drove Pro Bowl tackle Jermon Bushrod into Drew Brees and brought him down with one arm? That's the kind of plays Smith made all season and is why he could be this year's NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
DE Jason-Pierre Paul, Giants: There was a lot of great defensive line players this year, but I have to put JPP on here ahead of some other very good players listed below. Pierre-Paul really made great strides in his second season with 82 tackles and 16.5 sacks, and he is one of the main reasons why the Giants have the league's best defensive line.
Defensive Line Runner-Ups: Jason Babin, Eagles; Elvis Dumervil, Broncos; Richard Seymour, Raiders; Vince Wilfork, Patriots; Geno Atkins, Bengals.
OLB Terrell Suggs, Ravens: Suggs was great throughout with three games of three sacks or more, but what defined his season for me was the game against the Bengals on 11/20. The Bengals had it 1st and Goal and needing a touchdown to tie the game. On four straight plays the Ravens only rushed three defenders and Suggs still got pressure on QB Andy Dalton every single time. The Bengals offensive line isn't the greatest, but for one guy to be that dominant down on the goal line, with the game on line in the 4th quarter, is worth a "Holy Crap!"
MLB NaVarro Bowman, 49ers: I almost put another 49er, Patrick Willis here, but I was so impressed by the season NaVarro Bowman had. It was Bowman, not Willis, who led the 49ers defense in tackles with 143. Willis, Justin Smith, Aldon Smith and Co. were excellent for San Francisco on defense this year and in my opinion, but no middle linebacker was more impressive than NaVarro Bowman.
OLB DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys: Ware is one of those guys that offenses have to account for on every single play and teams know they have to block him, but they still haven't figured out how. Ware was yet again one of the league leaders in sacks with 19.5, which as John Clayton said, "Came in what seemed a quiet season for him."
Linebacker Runner-Ups: Maybe the best position group in football this year and it was hard to leave off these guys. Brian Cushing, Texans; Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson, Chiefs; Von Miller, Broncos; James Harrison, Steelers; Clay Matthews, Packers; Aldon Smith and Patrick Willis, 49ers.
CB Darrelle Revis, Jets: Revis Island became a very crowded place this season.
S Eric Weddle, Chargers: Weddle was tied for the league lead with seven interceptions and he also was third on the team with 88 tackles.
S Troy Polamalu, Steelers: One of the most dynamic players in the NFL, one that can change an entire game on any given play, and the guy is almost impossible to game plan against because he is all over the field.
CB Johnathan Joseph, Texans: The Houston defense had a big problem last season, and was one of the worst in the league, but what a difference a year makes. With the addition of guys like J.J. Watt, Brooks Reed, and Johnathan Joseph, the Texans had one of the league's best defenses this season. J-Joe earn a trip to the Pro Bowl in his first year in Houston with 44 tackles, 15 passes defended, and he was tied for the team lead in interceptions with four.
Secondary Runner-Ups: Charles Woodson, Packers; Carlos Rogers, 49ers; Ed Reed, Ravens; Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor, Seahawks.
SPECIALISTS
K David Akers, 49ers: He set NFL records this season with 44 field goals in 52 attempts and Akers kicks played a big role in the 49ers going 13-3.
P Andy Lee, 49ers: I put Lee here ahead of Oakland's Shane Lechler for three reasons. Lee had a higher punting gross average (50.9 yards), a higher net average (44.6 yards), and he had more punts downed inside the 20-yard line (28) than Lechler did.
Returner Patrick Peterson, Cardinals: Devin Hester usual dominates this area of the All-Pro teams, but not this year. Peterson had four return TDs and broke Louis Lipps' rookie punt return yardage record, according to John Clayton.
 |
| Could rookie Patrick Peterson become the next Devin Hester? (Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) |
2011 AWARDS
MVP: QB Aaron Rodgers, Packers. Here's what I said a few weeks ago about why Rodgers should win MVP over Drew Brees and I still stand by my reasons.
"Tough decision between Brees and Rodgers for MVP, but I'd give the edge to Rodgers for three reasons. Rodgers beat Brees in Week 1, 42-34. Rodgers threw fewer interceptions (Rodgers - 6, Brees - 14), and the Packers had a better record of 15-1, than the Saints at 13-3. It should be a close race, but I think Rodgers will walk away as league MVP."
Runner-Up: Drew Brees and one could really make a compelling argument for why Peyton Manning should win MVP, just saying.
Offensive Player of the Year: QB Drew Brees, Saints. Rodgers might have won MVP, but no one statistically, has ever had a season like the one Drew Brees had. 468 completions, 71.2 completion percentage, and 5,476 yards passing, all NFL records. Brees also threw 46 TD passes and he lead a Saints offense that scored 547 points and set an NFL record with 7,474 yards of total offense.
Runner-Ups: Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady.
Defensive Player of the Year: LB Terrell Suggs, Ravens. I went back and forth on this one, but I was just so impressed with the season Suggs had for the Ravens in 2011, I had to give him Defensive POY. Jared Allen may have led the league in sacks, and Justin Smith might have been the best player on the league's best defense, but Suggs had me saying, "Holy Crap," more than any other defensive player this season. Suggs had 70 tackles, two interceptions, was tied for fifth in the league with 14 sacks, and he led the league with seven forced fumbles. Impressive season for T-Sizzle.
Runner-Ups: Justin Smith and Jared Allen.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: QB Cam Newton, Panthers. Quite the year for the number one overall pick out of Auburn. Cam Newton completely turned around the Carolina offense and transformed them into one of the most dangerous in the league. Newton threw for 4,051-yards, 21 TD, and he ran for 706-yards, 14 TD, and he's only a rookie. After what Newton did this season, I expect big things from the Panthers in 2012.
Runner-Ups: Bengals QB/WR duo, Andy Dalton and A.J. Green. Sorry Bengals fans, I love what Dalton and Green did this year, but Cam Newton statistically had the best rookie season in NFL history.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: LB Aldon Smith, 49ers. I was really torn between Smith and Von Miller for Defensive ROY, but after much consideration, I was more impressive with the play of Smith this season compared to Miller. Both guys were excellent in their rookie seasons, but Smith was tied with Terrell Suggs for fifth in the league with 14 sacks, which also led all rookies, and he was a star on one of the league's best defenses. Smith was arrested on Saturday and charged with DUI in Miami Beach, Florida, so that does tarnish his season some, but for what he did on the field, deserves recognition.
Runner-Up: LB Von Miller, Broncos
 |
| Jim Harbaugh sure didn't look like a rookie head coach this season, as the 49ers went 13-3 and advanced all the way to the NFC Championship game. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) |
Runner-Ups: Jim Schwartz, Lions; Sean Payton, Saints; Mike McCarthy, Packers; Bill Belichick, Patriots; Gary Kubiak, Texans; Marvin Lewis, Bengals.
Executive of the Year: Mike Brown, Cincinnati Bengals. Not just because I'm a Bengals fan, but because Mike Brown really did a good job this year. SI's Peter King agreed saying about Brown, "Good draft netted long-term weaponry. Good trade raked Raiders over coals for Carson Palmer." I mean Mike Brown drafted Andy Dalton and A.J. Green, who were excellent, and got two possible first-round picks in the Carson Palmer trade. Job well done. Not to mention he had a buy one, get one free, ticket offer to sell out the final game of the season and he decided to move Bengals training camp to Paul Brown Stadium next season. What has happen to Mike Brown? I don't know, but I like what I'm seeing.
Runner-Up: No one, Mike Brown ran away with this one, which is still hard to fathom.
Coming up next week, a preview of Super Bowl XLVI, and who I see bringing home the Lombardi Trophy. As for the Pro Bowl on Sunday, I think it will be a high scoring affair, like it usually is, and I like the NFC to win. The NFC has more firepower on offense and Brees and Rodgers should light up the scoreboard. NFC 34, AFC 27.
Last Week: 2-0
Postseason: 6-4
Comments
Post a Comment