This year marked the NFL’s first 18-week season, which as you noticed from Sunday, drove NFL fans and players crazy. Imagine a team being eliminated from playoff contention due to two other teams 2,000 miles away ending a game in a tie – meaning both would make the post season.
From Week 1 to Week 18 we saw records shattered and players leaving their fingerprints on the game for generations to come. With that being said here are my NFL season awards.
MVP
Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers)
Solidifying the number one seed in the NFC, ensuring the playoffs go through Lambeau Field. Finishing the season at 13-4, with 4,115 passing yards, 37 touchdowns and just four interceptions is flat-out insane. A-Rod had a QBR on the season of 111.9, completing nearly 70 percent of his pass attempts. Crown the man. Point. Blank. Simple.
Offensive Player of the Year
Cooper Kupp (Los Angeles Rams)
The triple crown winner, who led the league in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, set the league on fire with his unblemished and timely route running. Cooper became the 4th player since the NFL merger to lead the league in all three categories. He is also in the record books for most yards in a single season, second only to Calvin “Megatron” Johnson.
Defensive Player of the Year
T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers)
After being robbed of the award last season, when he led the league in numerous statistical categories, Watt tied the single season sack record with 22.5 sacks. Despite missing two games, playing with cracked ribs and a handful of other injuries, TJ Watt put the league on notice that he’s worth every penny of his new 4 year, $112 million dollar contract.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
Ja’Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals)
Many doubted his selection with the 5th overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, especially with offensive line protection for stud Joe Borrow an obvious need, but after 81 catches for 1,455 yards with 13 touchdowns, those same doubters were left speechless.
Other Notable Rookies
- Mac Jones
- Najee Harris
- Kyle Pitts
- Amon-Ra St. Brown
- Jaylen Waddle
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Micah Parsons (Dallas Cowboys)
Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate Micah Parson could also be the Defensive Player of the Year with his impact on the Cowboys – completely changing the culture & attitude for that unit. Tying an NFL record for sacks by a rookie with 13 and making the Pro-Bowl, you can for sure book this rookie on the first team All Pro Defense. What makes Parsons so unique is his ability to play multiple positions. The Cowboys have lined the rookie up at every position on the defense this season.
Coach of the Year
Mike Vrabel (Tennessee Titans)
Regardless of how weak the division is to some, you can’t overlook a stretch from September to December where the Titans defeated the Colts, Rams, Saints, Chiefs and Bills. No other team in football had that type of stretch, especially without the best pound for pound running back Derrick Henry and a veteran outside receiver in Julio Jones. With a first round bye and potentially getting Henry back near 100 percent, the Titans and Vrabel will have something to say about who represents the AFC in Inglewood.