M.V.P. – Tom Brady, QB, Patriots.
Tom Brady became the first unanimous MVP winner for great reason. When the Patriots traded away an overrated Randy Moss, everyone figured they were throwing in the towel. Some (myself included) didn’t even have New England in the playoffs. I figured Bill Belichick was just building toward a 2011 run.
Whoops. Brady put the team on his back and played on an unbelievable level with a rehabbing Wes Welker, two rookie tight ends and a former practice squad running back.
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: Drew Brees, QB, Saints
2008: Kurt Warner, QB, Cardinals
2007: Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
2006: LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers
2005: Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
2004: Michael Vick, QB, Falcons
2003: Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
2002: Michael Vick, QB, Falcons
2001: Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
2000: Donovan McNabb, QB, Eagles
Quarterback of the Year – Aaron Rodgers, Packers.
Aaron Rodgers didn’t eclipse the 4,000-yard barrier this regular season, but he threw for 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions to go along with his 3,922 yards. Keep in mind that Rodgers essentially missed two games and suffered through a pair of concussions.
However, Rodgers clinched this award in the playoffs. He generated 1,094 yards, nine touchdowns, two picks and an 8.3 YPA despite the fact that he battled the Bears and Steelers in two of his four games.
Rodgers is the best young quarterback in the NFL right now, and if you were asked to pick a signal-caller to have for the next eight years, he’d be your guy. There’s no doubt about that.
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: Peyton Manning, Colts
2008: Drew Brees, Saints
2007: Tom Brady, Patriots
2006: Drew Brees, Saints
2005: Carson Palmer, Bengals
2004: Peyton Manning, Colts
2003: Peyton Manning, Colts
2002: Rich Gannon, Raiders
2001: Kurt Warner, Rams
2000: Peyton Manning, Colts
Running Back of the Year – Jamaal Charles, Chiefs.
This was such a tough decision. Arian Foster rushed for 1,616 yards and 16 touchdowns to go along with 66 receptions. He could have easily won this award.
I’m giving the award to Jamaal Charles, however. Charles finished with 1,467 yards, but had 97 fewer carries than Foster. Literally and figuratively carrying an inept offense featuring a pedestrian quarterback, Charles was a threat to go the distance on every carry – as the Ravens discovered in the playoffs. It’s unfortunate that Charles’ head coach is an imbecile who refuses to give his best player the football.
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: Chris Johnson, Titans
2008: DeAngelo Williams, Panthers
2007: Brian Westbrook, Eagles
2006: LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers
2005: Larry Johnson, Chiefs
2004: Curtis Martin, Jets
2003: LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers
2002: Priest Holmes, Chiefs
2001: Marshall Faulk, Rams
2000: Marshall Faulk, Rams
Wide Receiver of the Year – Roddy White, Falcons.
Roddy White’s numbers speak for themselves. His 115 catches broke Atlanta’s single-season franchise record. His 1,389 yards were second in the NFL. His 10 touchdowns helped the Falcons secure the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Oh, and White had a high catch rate and was always the focus of opposing defenses. Atlanta’s offense will be scary if Thomas Dimitroff can ever secure a potent No. 2 wideout.
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: Andre Johnson, Texans
2008: Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals
2007: Randy Moss, Patriots
2006: Marvin Harrison, Colts
2005: Steve Smith, Panthers
2004: Muhsin Muhammad, Panthers
2003: Randy Moss, Vikings
2002: Marvin Harrison, Colts
2001: Terrell Owens, 49ers
2000: Randy Moss, Vikings
Tight End of the Year – Jason Witten, Cowboys.
This award would have gone to Antonio Gates if he didn’t get hurt. Instead, Jason Witten wins the honor, having led all tight ends with receptions (94) and yards (1,002). Witten, who had only three drops all year, finally became a red-zone target, catching nine touchdowns.
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: Dallas Clark, Colts
2008: Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs
2007: Jason Witten, Cowboys
2006: Antonio Gates, Chargers
2005: Antonio Gates, Chargers
2004: Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs
2003: Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs
2002: Todd Heap, Ravens
2001: Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs
2000: Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs
Offensive Tackle of the Year – D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Jets.
Mark Sanchez has great weapons at his disposal, but a major reason for his late-season and playoff success was D’Brickashaw Ferguson. If you exclude the Week 2 battle against the Patriots, Ferguson didn’t surrender a single sack in the regular season. He also committed only five penalties all year.
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: Joe Thomas, Browns
2008: Michael Roos, Titans
2007: Matt Light, Patriots
2006: Tarik Glenn, Colts
2005: Walter Jones, Seahawks
2004: Walter Jones, Seahawks
2003: Jonathan Ogden, Ravens
2002: Willie Roaf, Chiefs
2001: Orlando Pace, Rams
2000: Jonathan Ogden, Ravens
Offensive Guard of the Year – Josh Sitton, Packers.
I can’t believe Josh Sitton didn’t make the original NFC Pro Bowl roster. He was just the most dominant guard in the NFL this year. Sitton is a very good run-blocker, but excels in pass support; he didn’t allow a single sack all year.
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: Jahri Evans, Saints
2008: Kris Dielman, Chargers
2007: Steve Hutchinson, Vikings
2006: Steve Hutchinson, Vikings
2005: Alan Faneca, Steelers
2004: Alan Faneca, Steelers
2003: Will Shields, Chiefs
2002: Ron Stone, 49ers
2001: Alan Faneca, Steelers
2000: Randall McDaniel, Buccaneers
Center of the Year – Nick Mangold, Jets.
Nick Mangold wins this award again – and for good reason. If you exclude the Jets’ Week 17 game in which Rex Ryan rests his starters, Mangold missed only 23 snaps all year. In the past two seasons, including both playoff runs, Mangold has missed just 25 snaps. He was guilty of only one sack and two penalties in 2010.
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: Nick Mangold, Jets
2008: Kevin Mawae, Titans
2007: Jeff Saturday, Colts
2006: Olin Kreutz, Bears
2005: Jeff Hartings, Steelers
2004: Kevin Mawae, Jets
2003: Kevin Mawae, Jets
2002: Kevin Mawae, Jets
2001: Olin Kreutz, Bears
2000: Tom Nalen, Broncos
Defensive End of the Year – Julius Peppers, Bears.
I’ll admit it – I wasn’t a fan of the Julius Peppers signing. Peppers took games off with the Panthers, and I didn’t think he’d put forth maximum effort in the wake of signing a massive contract. Well, so far so good for Peppers in Chicago. He didn’t post great sack numbers, but he dominated the line of scrimmage, drawing double teams, generating pressures and shutting down the run.
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: Jared Allen, Vikings
2008: Jared Allen, Vikings
2007: Jared Allen, Chiefs
2006: Jason Taylor, Dolphins
2005: Dwight Freeney, Colts
2004: Julius Peppers, Panthers
2003: Michael Strahan, Giants
2002: Jason Taylor, Dolphins
2001: Michael Strahan, Giants
2000: Jason Taylor, Dolphins
Defensive Tackle of the Year – Kyle Williams, Bills.
This is the first award the Bills have won on this site since J.P. Losman took home Scrub of the Year in 2005. Crazy, isn’t it? But this is not a charity ribbon or anything; Williams was unbelievably dominant all year as Buffalo’s nose tackle in its 3-4 defense.
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: Kevin Williams, Vikings
2008: Albert Haynesworth, Titans
2007: Albert Haynesworth, Titans
2006: Tommie Harris, Bears
2005: Casey Hampton, Steelers
2004: Jamal Williams, Chargers
2003: Kris Jenkins, Panthers
2002: Warren Sapp, Buccaneers
2001: Warren Sapp, Buccaneers
2000: Warren Sapp, Buccaneers
Outside Linebacker of the Year – Clay Matthews, Packers.
I could easily give this award to Tamba Hali, Clay Matthews, James Harrison and DeMarcus Ware. Matthews gets the nod because of his four playoff sacks and forced fumble on Rashard Mendenhall in the Super Bowl. Additionally, Matthews totaled 13.5 sacks in the regular season and was prolific in coverage.
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys
2008: DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys
2007: DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys
2006: Shawne Merriman, Chargers
2005: Cato June, Colts
2004: Takeo Spikes, Bills
2003: Keith Bulluck, Titans
2002: Derrick Brooks, Buccaneers
2001: Jamir Miller, Browns
2000: Derrick Brooks, Buccaneers
Inside Linebacker of the Year – Lawrence Timmons, Steelers.
Close call between Lawrence Timmons and Patrick Willis, but I gave it to the former because of his playoff run. Plus, Timmons wasn’t responsible for a single touchdown all year, while Willis allowed two scores.
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: Patrick Willis, 49ers
2008: Ray Lewis, Ravens
2007: Lofa Tatupu, Seahawks
2006: Brian Urlacher, Bears
2005: Brian Urlacher, Bears
2004: Tedy Bruschi, Patriots
2003: Ray Lewis, Ravens
2002: Zach Thomas, Dolphins
2001: Brian Urlacher, Bears
2000: Ray Lewis, Ravens
Cornerback of the Year – Tramon Williams, Packers.
Another Packer who was undeservedly left off the initial NFC Pro Bowl roster, Tramon Williams was the most dominant cornerback in the NFL all year. Forget the six interceptions for a second; opposing quarterbacks completed just 46.8 percent of their passes against Williams. Oh, and no one seems to be talking about how great he was in the Super Bowl once Charles Woodson was knocked out with a broken collarbone.
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: Darrelle Revis, Jets
2008: Nnamdi Asomugha, Raiders
2007: Antonio Cromartie, Chargers
2006: Champ Bailey, Broncos
2005: Champ Bailey, Broncos
2004: Nate Clements, Bills
2003: Ty Law, Patriots
2002: Bobby Taylor, Eagles
2001: Aeneas Williams, Rams
2000: Samari Rolle, Titans
Free Safety of the Year – Nick Collins, Packers.
The Super Bowl pick-six was huge. So was the fact that Nick Collins was responsible for only one touchdown all year. By comparison, Ed Reed surrendered four scores.
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: Darren Sharper, Saints
2008: Ed Reed, Ravens
2007: Sean Taylor, Redskins
2006: Brian Dawkins, Eagles
2005: Bob Sanders, Colts
2004: Brian Dawkins, Eagles
2003: Roy Williams, Cowboys
2002: Rod Woodson, Raiders
2001: Brian Dawkins, Eagles
2000: Darren Sharper, Packers
Strong Safety of the Year – Troy Polamalu, Steelers.
Troy Polamalu was hurt at the end of the year, but was outstanding otherwise. He had seven interceptions and didn’t allow a single touchdown. Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl run demonstrated how important he is to the team.
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: Bernard Pollard, Texans
2008: Troy Polamalu, Steelers
2007: Bob Sanders, Colts
2006: Troy Polamalu, Steelers
2005: Troy Polamalu, Steelers
2004: Ed Reed, Ravens
2003: Ed Reed, Ravens
2002: Lance Schulters, Titans
2001: Mike Brown, Bears
2000: John Lynch, Buccaneers
Kicker of the Year – Matt Bryant, Falcons.
Matt Bryant hit 28-of-31 field goals in 2010, including 8-of-10 from 40-49 and 1-of-1 from 50-plus. More importantly, he nailed several game-winners this year.
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: Garrett Hartley, Saints
2008: Jason Hanson, Lions
2007: Rob Bironas, Titans
2006: Adam Vinatieri, Colts
2005: Neil Rackers, Cardinals
2004: Adam Vinatieri, Patriots
2003: Mike Vanderjagt, Colts
2002: Adam Vinatieri, Patriots
2001: Adam Vinatieri, Patriots
2000: Matt Stover, Ravens
Special Teams Player of the Year – Devin Hester, Bears.
Leon Washington deserves honorable mention for his three kickoff return touchdowns, but Devin Hester had three punt return touchdowns, breaking the NFL record for career special teams scores. Hester’s kickoff and punting averages (35.6, 17.1) dwarfed Washington’s (25.6, 11.3).
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: Joshua Cribbs, Browns
2008: Johnnie Lee Higgins, Raiders
2007: Devin Hester, Bears
2006: Devin Hester, Bears
2005: Jerome Mathis, Texans
2004: Eddie Drummond, Lions
2003: Dante Hall, Chiefs
2002: Michael Lewis, Saints
2001: Troy Brown, Patriots
2000: Derrick Mason, Titans
Offensive Rookie of the Year – Sam Bradford, QB, Rams.
Mike Williams, LeGarrette Blount and Maurkice Pouncey all had great years, but Sam Bradford has to win this award. Setting the rookie record for completions and passing yards despite missing his top two receivers (Donnie Avery and Mark Clayton), Bradford has given Rams fans hope again. St. Louis will be a playoff contender for the next 10-15 years because of him.
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: Sebastian Vollmer, OT, Patriots
2008: Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens
2007: Joe Thomas, OT, Browns
2006: Vince Young, QB, Titans
2005: Cadillac Williams, RB, Buccaneers
2004: Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers
2003: Anquan Boldin, WR, Cardinals
2002: Clinton Portis, RB, Broncos
2001: Anthony Thomas, RB, Bears
2000: Jamal Lewis, RB, Ravens
Defensive Rookie of the Year – Ndamukong Suh, DT, Lions.
Devin McCourty, Joe Haden and Carlos Dunlap deserve some recognition, but Ndamukong Suh dominated the line of scrimmage for the Lions all year. He recorded 10 sacks – the most for any defensive tackle in the NFL.
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: Brian Cushing, OLB
2008: Jerod Mayo, ILB, Patriots
2007: Patrick Willis, ILB, 49ers
2006: Mark Anderson, DE, Bears
2005: Lofa Tatupu, ILB, Seahawks
2004: Jonathan Vilma, ILB, Jets
2003: Terence Newman, CB, Cowboys
2002: Dwight Freeney, DE, Colts
2001: Kendrell Bell, ILB, Steelers
2000: Corey Simon, DT, Eagles
Special Teams Rookie of the Year – Jacoby Ford, Raiders.
Dez Bryant may have won this award if he stayed healthy all year. He didn’t, however, and Jacoby Ford took three kickoff returns to the house for the Raiders.
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: Percy Harvin, Vikings
2008: Clifton Smith, Buccaneers
2007: Yamon Figurs, Ravens
2006: Devin Hester, Bears
2005: Jerome Mathis, Texans
2004: Wes Welker, Dolphins
2003: Bethel Johnson, Patriots
2002: Michael “Beer Man” Lewis, Saints
2001: Steve Smith, Panthers
2000: Ron Dixon, Giants
Most Improved Offensive Player – Brandon Lloyd, WR, Broncos.
Brandon Lloyd had a good year with the 49ers back in 2005, catching 48 balls for 733 yards and five touchdowns. He signed with the Redskins the following offseason, and did nothing. He also struggled in Chicago and barely played in Denver last year. So, how in the world did Lloyd lead all receivers with 1,448 yards on a sterling 18.8 average in 2010? Lloyd also caught 11 touchdowns and dropped only four passes. He finally lived up to expectations as an athletic receiver.
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: Vernon Davis, TE, 49ers
2008: DeAngelo Williams, RB, Panthers
2007: Wes Welker, WR, Patriots
2006: Ladell Betts, RB, Redskins
2005: Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers
2004: Drew Brees, QB, Chargers
2003: Steve Smith, WR, Panthers
2002: Koren Robinson, WR, Seahawks
2001: Troy Brown, WR, Patriots
2000: Jeff Garcia, QB, 49ers
Most Improved Defensive Player – Cameron Wake, DE/OLB, Dolphins.
Cameron Wake started one game last year and totaled just 5.5 sacks. It was unclear if he could ever be a premier pass-rusher in the NFL. Well, we have the answer to that now. Wake registered 14 sacks in 2010, good for third in the league behind DeMarcus Ware and Tamba Hali.
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: Ray Edwards, DE, Vikings
2008: James Harrison, DE/OLB, Steelers
2007: Mario Williams, DE, Texans
2006: Nnamdi Asomugha, CB, Raiders
2005: Derrick Burgess, DE, Raiders
2004: James Hall, DE, Lions
2003: Brian Russell, S, Vikings
2002: Keith Bulluck, OLB, Titans
2001: Ahmed Plummer, CB, 49ers
2000: La’Roi Glover, DT, Saints
M.U.P. (Most Unimportant Player) – Terrell Owens, WR, Bengals.
As usual with Terrell Owens, it was all fluff and no substance. Owens caught 72 balls for 983 yards and nine touchdowns, which makes it seem like he contributed to the Bengals. It’s clear, however, that Owens once again hurt his team more than he helped it. Owens dropped eight passes, had a miserable catch rate and was responsible for 10 of Carson Palmer’s interceptions. And speaking of Palmer, it’s no coincidence that the disgruntled quarterback played better once the two stars of the T.Ocho Show were sidelined.
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: QB Dog Killer, Eagles
2008: Plaxico Burress, Giants
2007: Michael Vick, Falcons
2006: Randy Moss, Raiders
2005: Terrell Owens, Eagles
2004: Kevan Barlow, 49ers
2003: Keyshawn Johnson, Buccaneers
2002: Barrett Robbins, Raiders
2001: Randy Moss, Vikings
2000: Deion Sanders, Redskins
Comeback Player of the Year – Mike Williams, WR, Seahawks.
Mike Williams literally ate himself out of the league. Williams was nowhere to be seen for two years, and his signing with Seattle last offseason was an afterthought. Williams surprised everyone by making the roster and then logging 65 receptions for 751 yards in just 13 starts.
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: Vince Young, QB, Titans
2008: Kerry Collins, QB, Titans
2007: Todd Collins, QB, Redskins
2006: Jeff Garcia, QB, Eagles
2005: Brad Johnson, QB, Vikings
2004: Mark Fields, LB, Panthers
2003: Marcus Robinson, WR, Ravens
2002: Tommy Maddox, QB, Steelers
2001: Garrison Hearst, RB, 49ers
Blue Collar Player of the Year – Drew Brees, QB, Saints.
If Jay Cutler is chastised for not playing with a Grade-II MCL sprain, then Drew Brees should be commended for it. Brees was in pain for six weeks with that specific injury, yet he didn’t miss a single start for the Saints.
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: Steven Jackson, RB, Rams
2008: Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers
2007: Fred Taylor, RB, Jaguars
2006: Lorenzo Neal, FB, Chargers
2005: Tedy Bruschi, ILB, Patriots
2004: Troy Brown, WR/CB, Patriots
2003: Brett Favre, QB, Packers
2002: Hines Ward, WR, Steelers
2001: Hines Ward, WR, Steelers
Perseverance Award – Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers.
Think Aaron Rodgers can finally put all of that Brett Favre stuff behind him? Rodgers brought the Lombardi Trophy back to its original home by engineering one of the most masterful playoff runs we’ve ever seen from a quarterback.
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: NFL Fans (for Brett Favre coverage)
2008: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers
2007: Eli Manning, QB, Giants
2006: Peyton Manning, QB, Colts
2005: Cincinnati Bengals Fans
2004: John Fox, head coach, Panthers
2003: Donovan McNabb, QB, Eagles
Celebration Award – Derek Anderson, Cardinals.
Derek Anderson and guard Deuce Lutui celebrated one of Anderson’s many interceptions by laughing on the bench. Anderson was grilled about this in the post-game interview, leading to one of the best meltdowns we’ve ever seen. I called Anderson to let him know he won this award, but all he had to say was, “That’s fine, that’s fine, that’s fine, that’s fine… that’s fine.”
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: Chad Ochocinco, Bengals (salute to Chris Henry)
2008: Santonio Holmes (Super Bowl ball prop)
2007: Jerry Jones, Cowboys (rapture)
2006: None (fine for celebrations)
2005: Chad Johnson, Bengals (many)
2004: Terrell Owens, Eagles (many)
2003: Joe Horn, Saints (cell phone)
2002: Terrell Owens, 49ers (Sharpee)
“I Don’t Belong in the NFL” Award – Vince Young, Titans.
Do you yell at your coach? Walk out on your team? Refuse to study game film? Pretend to be suicidal? Have no work ethic? Steal money from a senile owner? Maintain the intelligence of a recycling bin? If so, congratulations – you do not belong in the NFL!
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: Al Davis, Raiders
2008: Detroit Lions
2007: Randy Mueller, Dolphins
2006: Charley Casserly, Texans
2005: Charley Casserly, Texans
2004: John York, 49ers
2003: Steve Spurrier, Redskins
2002: Marty Mornhinweg, Lions
2001: Daniel Snyder, Redskins
Scrub of the Year – Randy Moss, WR, Patriots/Vikings/Titans.
This award is for the player who was the Scrub of the Week the most times on my NFL Power Rankings page. Three players were Scrub of the Week twice – Randy Moss, Marshawn Lynch and Matt Cassel – but I feel as though Moss deserves it more. While Lynch and Cassel played well at certain points during the season, Moss sucked all year. The Vikings traded a third-round pick for him and then cut him several weeks later. Moss did nothing with the Titans. He has nothing left in the tank and should consider retirement. In fact, he’s so irrelevant that he was too unimportant for my Most Unimportant Player of the Year award.
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: Jake Delhomme, QB, Panthers
2008: Carson Palmer, QB, Bengals
2007: Brian Griese, QB, Bears
2006: Rex Grossman, QB, Bears
2005: J.P. Losman, QB, Bills; Vinny Testaverde, QB, Jets
2004: Mike Martz, head coach, Rams
2003: Joey Harrington, QB, Lions; Jeff Garcia, QB, 49ers; Drew Bledsoe, QB, Bills
2002: Randy Moss, WR, Vikings
2001: Elvis Grbac, QB, Ravens
Stat-Stuffer of the Year – Arian Foster, RB, Texans; Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Steelers; Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers; Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers.
This award is for the players who were listed first at their position the most times as a top weekly fantasy player on my NFL Power Rankings page. There were four players listed three times: Arian Foster, Rashard Mendenhall, Aaron Rodgers and Philip Rivers.
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: Chris Johnson, RB, Titans
2008: Brian Westbrook, RB, Eagles
2007: Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
2006: LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers
2005: Larry Johnson, RB, Chiefs; LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers; Steve Smith, WR, Panthers
2004: Peyton Manning, QB, Colts
2003: Peyton Manning, QB, Colts
2002: Tom Brady, QB, Patriots; Priest Holmes, RB, Chiefs; Daunte Culpepper, QB, Vikings
2001: Marshall Faulk, RB, Rams
Coach of the Year – Bill Belichick, Patriots.
Once again, this was supposed to be a re-building for the Patriots. With a young defense and no Randy Moss, how could they possibly contend for a playoff spot? New England was overmatched in the postseason, thanks to Tom Brady’s foot injury, but still managed to finish 14-2. They’ll be even better in 2011.
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: Rex Ryan, Jets
2008: Bill Belichick, Patriots
2007: Bill Belichick, Patriots
2006: Bill Belichick, Patriots
2005: Lovie Smith, Bears
2004: Bill Cowher, Steelers
2003: Bill Parcells, Cowboys
2002: John Gruden, Buccaneers
2001: Bill Belichick, Patriots
Coordinator of the Year – Dom Capers, Packers.
What happened to that defense that surrendered 51 points in a playoff loss to the Cardinals? Dom Capers really has to be praised for doing a remarkable job with Green Bay’s defense. Without Capers, the Packers are not Super Bowl champions.
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: Gregg Williams, Saints
2008: Dick LeBeau, Steelers
2007: Steve Spagnulo, Giants
2006: Rob Ryan, Raiders
2005: Dick LeBeau, Steelers
2004: Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel, Patriots
2003: Jim Johnson, Eagles
2002: Monte Kiffin, Buccaneers
2001: Mike Mularkey, Steelers
WalterFootball.com Award (Best Player) – Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers.
How will Aaron Rodgers manage to fit all of these awards on his mantle? Once again, Rodgers had one of the best playoff runs we’ve ever seen from a quarterback. In six consecutive must-win games, Rodgers went 134-of-197 (68.0%), 1,727 yards (8.8 YPA), 16 touchdowns (14 pass, 2 rush) and only three interceptions. You can’t top that.
Past Winners of this Award:
2009: Chris Johnson, RB, Titans
2008: Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals
2007: Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
2006: LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers
2005: Larry Johnson, RB. Chiefs
2004: Ed Reed, S, Ravens
2003: LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers
2002: Michael Vick, QB, Falcons
2001: Marshall Faulk, RB, Rams
2000: Marshall Faulk, RB, Rams
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