NFL: My in-season awards

So, if you follow NFL football, you know that every week sports writers are giving their projected award winners for all the different important awards around the NFL. I think I want to do something similar, but try to look at the numbers without all the hype. So, instead of a biblical post today, here are the first annual In-Season awards by Matt Shedd.

MVP candidates: These candidates are not judged primarily on "monster" stats, but on their ability to positively improve the rest of their team.

1. Ronnie Brown-Running Back for Miami.
Why? If you look at the stats, Brown does not carry the ball as much as other premiere running backs. However, without him, the Dolphins would not have their famous Wildcat formation. He is averaging over 4 yards per carry, and has nine rushing touchdowns. He is the heart of this offense, and he silently leads this team.

2. Brandon Jacobs-Running Back for New York Giants
Why? He is a truck. He has 11 rushing touchdowns. He is fourth in rushing yards. He is playing in the toughest division in football. He continues to run through the best defenses in football (exhibit A--Ravens game last week).

3. Andre Johnson-Wide Receiver for Houston
Why? He leads the league in receiving yards. He plays on a team with no talent around him. Teams double and triple team him and yet he keeps getting the ball. Hard to beat that.

The winner=Brandon Jacobs

Offensive Player of the Year

only two players have earned this spot. Drew Brees of New Orleans and Kurt Warner of Arizona.
Both are having monster seasons. Both have done so with their top WR's injured. These guys are rolling over anyone who they play.

Winner: Kurt Warner because his team is winning.


Defensive Player of the Year

1. Joey Porter-LB for Miami
Why? He leads the league in sacks. He plays to destroy his opponents. He doesn't do all the work for this defense, he leads the others into stepping it up too.

2. Nick Collings-CB for Green Bay
Why? He is tied with his teammate for most interceptions in the league. He is a shutdown corner. He helps out in run coverage very quickly. He helps lead this excellent pass defense.

3. Barret Ruud-MLB for Tampa Bay
Why? He leads his team in tackles. He stops the run. he defends the pass. He rushes the passer. He does it all and he does it well. We may not know his name, but we should.

Winner: Nick Collins

Breakout player of the Year
Offense
Lance Moore-WR for New Orleans. Look at his stats. He was a bench player coming in, now he is a starter, maybe even a star.

Defense
Melvin Bullitt-SS for Indy. He has 50 tackles as a saftey, and is tied for second with four picks. He was supposed to be the backup to Bob Sanders, but now they are finding ways to play both of them together. This guy is going to be good.



Other Players that need some recognition:

Matt Ryan: Rookie of the Year
Dwight Freeney: Guy who got his groove back
Adrian Peterson: Best runner who doesn't know how to win.
Matt Cassell: Never played in college, but even he can score points with the Patriots wideouts.
Peyton Manning: Stats for the Year: 2568 yards 17 TD's 9 INT's, 61% completion rate. Yea, the media is right, he is so washed up...


Thats about it for now, but I hope you enjoyed.