M.V.P. – Drew Brees, QB, Saints.
Aaron Rodgers won the real MVP award, but Drew Brees has my MVP vote, which means much, much more.
Look, I’m not saying Brees is better than Rodgers by any means. If I had to pick one quarterback to start a team with, it would be Rodgers. But that’s irrelevant in an MVP discussion.
Brees was more valuable to the Saints than Rodgers was to the Packers. If you take Brees off New Orleans, that team becomes the Peyton Manning-less Indianapolis Colts. If you remove Rodgers from Green Bay, the Packers would still have a shot at the playoffs.
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
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.
I just wrote that if I had to pick any quarterback in the NFL to start a team with, it would be Aaron Rodgers, so he obviously wins this award.
Rodgers arguably played better than any signal-caller in league history over the first three months of the season. Not only did he make impossible throws with exact precision; he also scrambled for big chunks of yardage when he needed to. He’s the ultimate dual-threat quarterback.
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: Aaron Rodgers, Packers
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 – Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars.
The Jaguars were a brutal team to watch this year. Their quarterback closed his eyes when attempting passes, and his receivers couldn’t get open. The head coach was fired, while the defense suffered way too many injuries. The one person keeping Jacksonville afloat was Maurice Jones-Drew, the NFL’s leading rusher by about 250 yards (1,606).
I have so much respect for Jones-Drew. He could have easily packed it in, but he gave 100-percent effort week in and week out.
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: Jamaal Charles, Chiefs
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 – Calvin Johnson, Lions.
Ah, so that’s what happens when Calvin Johnson has a healthy quarterback throwing to him for 16 games. Megatron was unstoppable in 2011, catching 96 balls for a league-leading 1,681 yards and 16 touchdowns. He’s a freak of nature and should be winning this award many times over the next decade.
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: Roddy White, Falcons
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 – Rob Gronkowski, Patriots.
Rob Gronkowski gets the edge over Jimmy Graham because of his blocking ability. The Gronk was an animal, hauling in 90 receptions for 1,327 yards and a record 17 touchdowns. He caught 74.4 percent of the passes thrown to him – which led the league for any tight end with 40 or more receptions. Graham, by the way, was at 67.8 percent.
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: Jason Witten, Cowboys
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 – Joe Thomas, Browns.
Joe Thomas had an “off” year, yet still wins this award as the best left tackle in football. Thomas surrendered just three sacks and 15 quarterback pressures in 16 games. It’s just a shame that he doesn’t have a legitimate quarterback to block for. That will change if Cleveland obtains Robert Griffin.
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Jets
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 – Carl Nicks, Saints.
Carl Nicks is a five-star guard in my 2012 NFL Free Agent Rankings for a reason. He’s a powerful run-blocker and keeps Drew Brees safe. He’s going to receive a huge contract this offseason.
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: Josh Sitton, Packers
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’s absence was felt when he missed three games early in the year with an injury. After he came back, he surrendered only one sack and was a force in the running game. Like former Jets’ center Kevin Mawae, Mangold has now won this award three consecutive years.
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: Nick Mangold, Jets
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 – Jared Allen, Vikings.
When you come within one sack of setting the single-season record in that category, you really deserve to win Defensive End of the Year. Jared Allen’s 22 sacks were especially remarkable when you consider that the Vikings seldom had the lead in 2011. Imagine what he could have done if the opposing quarterbacks were often in catch-up mode.
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: Julius Peppers, Bears
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 – Justin Smith, 49ers.
Justin Smith technically plays defensive end in the 3-4, but if he can be voted in as an All-Pro at defensive tackle, then he sure as hell can win the highly coveted Defensive Tackle of the Year award. Smith wreaked havoc upon opposing quarterbacks, as he was constantly in the backfield. His 48 quarterback pressures were more than Jared Allen accumulated.
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: Kyle Williams, Bills
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 – DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys.
Jared Allen nearly broke Michael Strahan’s single-season sack record, but DeMarcus Ware was also close. He registered 19.5 sacks, while playing stoutly in coverage and run support.
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: Clay Matthews, Packers
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 – Patrick Willis, 49ers.
This award hardly deserves explanation. Patrick Willis is an absolute stud with no weaknesses. He’s a dominating presence on the football field, as he and Justin Smith did a phenomenal job of transforming San Francisco’s defense into the league’s premier stop unit.
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: Lawrence Timmons, Steelers
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 – Darrelle Revis, Jets.
Want to hear two crazy stats? When targeting Darrelle Revis in 2011, opposing signal-callers completed only 41.2 percent of their passes and maintained a quarterback rating of 45.6. The lesson: Stay away from Revis Island!
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: Tramon Williams, Packers
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 – Eric Weddle, Chargers.
San Diego’s pass defense was a disgrace, but don’t blame Eric Weddle. He intercepted seven passes and surrendered only one touchdown. I guess the “Weddle isn’t a play-maker” critics don’t have anything to say anymore.
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: Nick Collins, Packers
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.
It’s cliche to give Troy Polamalu the Strong Safety of the Year award, but he deserves it. Polamalu had more responsibilities than usual this year because the front seven couldn’t generate consistent pressure on the quarterback, yet he still was able to perform on a Pro Bowl level.
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: Troy Polamalu, Steelers
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 – David Akers, 49ers.
David Akers had a miserable playoff performance against the Packers in January 2011 because of dire family issues. Andy Reid threw him under the bus, so Akers could have easily packed it in and called it a career. Instead, he went to San Francisco and set the NFL’s single-season points record.
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: Matt Bryant, Falcons
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 – Patrick Peterson, Cardinals.
Patrick Peterson had a whopping four punt return touchdowns as a rookie. He single-handedly destroyed my bank account, scoring on special teams whenever I bet against him. FML.
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: Devin Hester, Bears
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 – Cam Newton, QB, Panthers.
All Cam Newton did in 2011 was break Peyton Manning’s rookie passing yards record. And yet, everyone thought Newton was either going to bust or take a couple of years to develop. The NFL Draft – the ultimate crapshoot.
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: Sam Bradford, QB, Rams
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 – Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, 49ers.
Von Miller would have easily won this award had the NFL season concluded around Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, he broke his thumb and struggled after he came back. Aldon Smith, meanwhile, finished really strong. He was fifth in the NFL with 14 sacks, including 6.5 in the final five weeks. He also had a pair of sacks in the playoffs.
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Lions
2009: Brian Cushing, OLB, Texans
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 – Patrick Peterson, Cardinals.
Patrick Peterson won the Special Teams Player of the Year award, so it only makes sense for him to win the rookie edition as well.
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: Jacoby Ford, Raiders
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 – Fred Jackson, RB, Bills.
Some candidates include Marshawn Lynch, Willis McGahee and Antonio Brown, but those three players weren’t discussed as a possible MVP candidate in the middle of the season. Fred Jackson was. He rushed for 917 yards and caught 34 passes for 392 receiving yards in just nine games, averaging 5.5 YPC in the process. Jackson was on pace to lead in the NFL in rushing, but suffered a season-ending injury at Miami.
The Bills thought so little of Jackson a couple of years ago that they drafted C.J. Spiller in the top 10, yet Jackson held him off and carried his team to a surprising quick start.
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: Brandon Lloyd, WR, Broncos
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 – Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, Giants.
Jason Pierre-Paul had just four sacks as a rookie. He was an afterthought heading into the 2011 campaign; he wasn’t even on the Pro Bowl ballot when it was first released. Despite this, Pierre-Paul registered 16.5 sacks, becoming one of the most feared pass-rushers in the league.
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: Cameron Wake, DE/OLB, Dolphins
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) – Albert Haynesworth, DT, Pats/Bucs.
The Patriots made two signings this past offseason that made the front page of the news. Albert Haynesworth and Chad Ochocinco were brought in to much fanfare, but neither did anything. At least No. 85 made it through the whole season on the roster. Haynesworth was cut in the middle of the year. He signed with the Buccaneers, who didn’t win a single game after they added him.
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: Terrell Owens, WR, Bengals
2009: QB Dog Killer, QB, 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 – Willis McGahee, RB, Broncos.
Prior to 2011, Willis McGahee hadn’t rushed for more than 700 yards since 2007. His YPC in 2010 plummeted to 3.8. It looked like he was done, as well-known fantasy Web sites dubbed McGahee as a “rotational back” and a “RB4 at best.” So much for that. McGahee compiled 1,199 rushing yards on a 4.8 YPC, proving that he still has something left in the tank.
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: Brandon Lloyd, WR, Broncos
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 – Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jaguars.
Another nod to Maurice Jones-Drew. How a great player like him could get up for every game while surrounded by scrub teammates and a head coach who didn’t care is beyond me. And to top it off, Jones-Drew was coming off a knee injury that had many fantasy owners shying away from him in their drafts.
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: Drew Brees, QB, Saints
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 – Tim Tebow, QB, Broncos.
“Tim Tebow can’t throw the football.” “You can’t win football games with Tim Tebow.” “Tim Tebow should be playing fullback.” “Tim Tebow is the worst quarterback in the NFL.” Those are quotes from Keyshawn Johnson, Cris Carter, Merril Hoge and Bomani Jones (the last idiotic statement from the brain-dead Jones). And that’s just from the media. Tebow’s coaches and general manager didn’t even support him. Despite this, all he did was win football games and lead the Broncos to the second round of the playoffs even though he was playing with a horrific offensive line and a depleted receiving corps.
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers
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 – Tim Tebow, Broncos.
This is a no-brainer. Tim Tebow’s “celebration” became so famous that it got its own name. Soon enough, the entire country was “Tebowing.”
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: Derek Anderson, Cardinals (press conference meltdown)
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 – Caleb Hanie, Bears.
Jay Cutler was lost for the regular season around Thanksgiving, but no worries – the Bears still had Caleb Hanie, who looked great in the NFC Championship. They’d be fine! Yeah, not so much. In just four starts, Hanie tossed a whopping nine interceptions and completed only 50 percent of his passes with a 6.0 YPA. He was absolutely awful. It’s amazing how he went from being a promising, young quarterback to possible CFL fodder in the span of a year.
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: Vince Young, Titans
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 – LeGarrette Blount, RB, Buccaneers; Chris Johnson, RB, Titans.
This award is for the player who was the Scrub of the Week the most times on my NFL Power Rankings page. Two players were Scrub of the Week thrice, LeGarrette Blount and Chris Johnson.
Both Blount and Johnson were disappointing fantasy running backs. Blount, as we reported in our NFL Draft Rumor Mill section, didn’t give much effort. CJ2K, meanwhile, had issues getting to 1K after holding out for a huge contract.
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: Randy Moss, WR, Patriots/Vikings/Titans
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; Rob Gronkowski; Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers.
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 three players listed a whopping five times: Arian Foster, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Rodgers. Tom Brady (4) almost joined them.
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: Arian Foster, RB, Texans; Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Steelers; Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers; Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers
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 – Jim Harbaugh, 49ers.
This is an easy choice. The 49ers were a miserable 6-10 in 2010. Jim Harbaugh improved the team to 13-3 and came a couple of Kyle Williams special-teams gaffes away from reaching the Super Bowl. What was most amazing was Harbaugh’s work with Alex Smith. No one had any faith in Smith as an NFL starter, but Harbaugh transformed the former No. 1 overall pick into a solid quarterback.
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: Bill Belichick, Patriots
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 – Wade Phillips, Texans.
This is what Wade Phillips was born to do. Phillips shouldn’t be a head coach, but he’s a brilliant defensive mind who helped the Texans’ stop unit improve by leaps and bounds despite the fact that Mario Williams missed most of the season.
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: Dom Capers, Packers
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.
I don’t have Aaron Rodgers as the MVP, so I’ll make it up to him and Packer fans by giving him the WalterFootball.com and Quarterback of the Year awards. What Rodgers did from September to the beginning of December was just sick. I had never seen a quarterback play on his level before. Some of the throws he made were jaw-dropping, and his rushing ability made him extra lethal. If he had any sort of defense supporting him, his team would probably celebrating its second consecutive Super Bowl victory.
Past Winners of this Award:
2010: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers
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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