Mid-season Awards - NFL

As I write my last article about the NFL before the second half begins, I feel it is necessary to hand out my own mid-season awards. After this article, I will hopefully begin to move onto a variety of other sports.

MVP - Kurt Warner, QB, Arizona Cardinals

There is no doubt in my mind that the 37 year old Kurt Warner is the mid-season MVP. While Drew Brees is putting up higher yardage (2985 yards for Drew Brees to 2760 yards for Warner), Kurt Warner, unlike Drew Brees, has led his team to a winning record, and has the higher QB Rating (106.4 for Kurt Warner and 96.1 for Drew Brees). Kurt Warner also possesses an outstanding 70.6% completion, a mere 6 interceptions, and a second-best 19 touchdowns (only behind Philip Rivers' 21). 7 years after the disappearance of the "Greatest Show on Turf" in St. Louis, Warner appears to have recaptured that magic, and brought it to Arizona.

Offensive Player of the Year - Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints

While Drew Brees may not be the most valuable player in the NFL, there is no doubt that his staggering numbers earn him the recognition of "Offensive player of the year". With a league leading 2985 yards at the mid-way point, Brees is well on pace of breaking Marino's passing record (Set in 1984 with 5,084 yards). Any player that can break a record as hallowed as this is no doubt the recipient of the "offensive player of the year".

Defensive Player of the Year - Joey Porter, LB, Miami Dolphins

Most writers, columnists, and experts are handing this award to Albert Haynesworth on a silver platter. While I am convinced that he is an excellent player, I have to give this award to Joey Porter. Joey Porter has been the most disruptive player on defense this year, accumulating 12 sacks through 9 games. At this pace, he is going to have 24 sacks. That is simply amazing. When you consider that the Dolphins are only a year removed from posting a 1-15 record, you must give Porter a large portion of the credit, if not for the entire team, then at least for the defensive turn-around. Any team with a pass-rush is deadly in a pass happy league. 

Offensive Rookie of the Year - Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons

The last pocket-passer QB to win the "offensive rookie of they year" award was Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2004. While Big Ben did lead his team to a 15-1 record, when you match up the statistics of Matt Ryan and Roethlisberger, it is clear that Matt Ryan has the edge. In the 2004 season, Roethlisberger had 2621 yards, 17 TD's, and 11 interceptions. In comparison, Matt Ryan is on pace for 3394 yards, 20 TD's, and 9 interceptions. Adding on the fact that he is putting up these numbers on a team that is one year removed from being a paltry 3-13 makes it all the more impressive. 

Defensive Rookie of the Year - Jerod Mayo, LB, New England Patriots

You simply cannot argue with Jerod Mayo's production on the field. In 9 games, Mayo has racked up an impressive 65 tackles, 50 of which are solo. That means that if he keeps on pace, he will accumulate 116 tackles. For any LB that would be an impressive year, for a rookie, it is all the reason I need to give him "defensive rookie of the year".

Coach of the Year- Mike Smith, Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons through 9 games have doubled up on their victories from last season (Now at 6-3). This impressive mark has been accomplished with a rookie QB, a new RB, and many other new starters. To say that the Falcons rise to prominence has been quick and quiet would be an understatement, and the credit must be given to Mike Smith, who has done an excellent job in both his coaching and in earning the trust, and raising the confidence of a not-so-long ago mentally defeated team.