NFL Year-End Awards

**AvengerRam** · #1 (**permalink**) -26-12-2006

Okay, so there's one week left, but I think I have a handle on the individual awards, so here they are:

Offensive Player:
AFC: LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers
NFC: Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
Both have had extraordinary years and have helped their teams earn first round byes in the playoffs. Also considered Peyton Manning, Larry Johnson, Frank Gore and Steven Jackson.

Defensive Player:
AFC: Jason Taylor, Miami Dolphins
NFC: Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears
Tough choice in the AFC between Taylor and Champ Bailey. Shaun Merriman is deserving in performance, but I can't overlook the steroid issue. Urlacher is the key player in the best defense in the NFC.

Special Teams:
AFC: Justin Miller, New York Jets
NFC: Devin Hester, Chicago Bears
Miller has had a great year leading AFC in return yardage and scoring twice. Hester the obvious choice in the NFC.

Coach of the Year:
AFC: Jeff Fisher, Tennessee Titans
NFC: Lovie Smith, Chicago Bears
Fisher has lead a remarkable turnaround from a team that is flawed in many ways. Smith has built a team that has dominated the NFC standings all year, all without a legitimate NFL starting QB.

Offensive Rookie of the Year:
AFC: Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
NFC: Marcus Colston, New Orleans Saints
Jones-Drew an all-around threat for the Jaguars. Also considered Lawrence Maroney, Marcus McNeil and Joseph Addai. Colston slowed by injuries, but was remarkable for a day 2 pick.

Defensive Rookie of the Year.
AFC: DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans
NFC: A.J. Hawk, Green Bay Packers
Both Ryans and Hawk have been consistent tackling machines for their teams.

Breakout Player of the Year:
AFC: Lee Evans, Buffalo Bills
NFC: Frank Gore, San Francisco Niners
Evans has emerged as one of the top deep threats in the league. Gore has emerged as the leading rusher in the NFC. Also considered Tony Romo.

Comeback Player of the Year:
AFC: Carson Palmer, Cinncinnati Bengals
NFC: Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
Both came back from severe injuries to have great seasons. Also considered Chad Pennington, Marc Bulger and Deuce McCallister.

And now... some negative awards:

Biggest Disappointment:
AFC: Randy Moss, Oakland Raiders
NFC: Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle Seahawks

Most Disappointing Rookie:
AFC: Jason Allen, Miami Dolphins
NFC: Brodrick Bunkley, Philadelphia Eagles

Worst Free Agent Signing:
AFC: Ty Law, Kansas City Chiefs
NFC: Adam Archuleta, Washington Redskins

**Nick** · #2 (**permalink**) -26-12-2006

Good article, Av. I agree with most of the players you selected, though I likely would have gone Sean Payton as NFC CotY over Lovie Smith and Mark Anderson as DRotY.

**laram0** · #3 (**permalink**) -26-12-2006

Great article AV.. I have to say my biggest disappointment was Kurt Warner.

For obvious reasons.....

**AvengerRam** · #4 (**permalink**) -26-12-2006

Payton was definitely a candidate. Lovie, though, has done more with less in my opinion.

As for Anderson, his 12 sacks and 4 forced fumbles definitely jump out at you, but he is a situational player. Hawk, on the other hand, has good numbers (115 tackles, 3.5 sacks) and is an every down player. If I considered draft position, though, Anderson would clearly get the nod.