Av's 2012 Rams Awards

[AvengerRam]

MVP: Chris Long
This was an extremely difficult choice for me, but here's how I came up with my choice. First, I believe that the defense had more to do with the team's overall success than the offense did. As a result, I eliminated the offense from consideration. Then, I tried to come up with the defensive player who deserved the award the most. James Laurinaitis immediately came to mind, as I think he is the defense's leader, and a steady force in the middle. I also considered Jo-Lon Dunbar, who filled the stat sheet nicely, and Cortland Finnegan, who helped shape the defensive "culture." In the end, though, I went with Long because I think the defense's biggest accomplishment was the sack total, and Long lead the team in sacks, pressures and hits. While he had games where his stats were pedestrian, he was always near the QB. So, by a slight margin, Chris gets my vote.

Offensive Player of the Year: Sam Bradford
This really came down to Bradford and Steven Jackson for me, and I wouldn't argue with either. I went with Sam based upon his very strong crunch time numbers (92.7 passer rating in 4th Quarter, +/- 7 points). A Jackson stat that almost had me go the other way, though: 295 touches, 0 fumbles.

Top Rookie (Offense): Chris Givens
Givens was a pleasant surprise, providing an impact as a rookie after being selected in the 4th round. He gave the Rams a much-needed deep threat, and demonstrated the ability to move the chains when Danny Amendola was out. I think he has a bright future.

Top Rookie (Defense): Janoris Jenkins
While Michael Brockers was very valuable, you can't overlook Jenkins' impact plays. Four TDs for a CB is noteworthy for any player, and for a rookie its outstanding. As he becomes more battle tested and learns a few more tricks of the trade, the sky's the limit for him.

Top Newcomer: Jo-Lon Dunbar
As valuable as the rookie class was, and as effective as Cortland Finnegan proved to be, Jo-Lon Dunbar deserves mention here. He had 100+ tackles, 4.5 sacks, 2 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles. He is now part of the Rams' core for the future. Not bad for a guy who was never really a full-time starter in New Orleans.

Most Improved Player: Lance Kendricks
Robert Quinn received some consideration here, but I think his improvement was expected as he became a full-time starter. Kendricks impressed me by increasing his totals on receptions (+14), yards (+167) and TDs (+4), and coming on strong towards the end of the year. While I do think the Rams may wish to add a TE in this year's draft, I have a lot more confidence going forward with Kendricks than I did eight weeks ago.

[live4ramin]

It's Brockers for me. His presence has allowed the others to play their own positions.

[AvengerRam]

It's Brockers for me. His presence has allowed the others to play their own positions.

For which? Defensive rookie?

[RAMarkable]

]This was an extremely difficult choice for me, but here's how I came up with my choice. First, I believe that the defense had more to do with the team's overall success than the defense did.


Can't argue with your selections but you might want to fix the second sentence.


WHAT SAY YE?

[AvengerRam]

]This was an extremely difficult choice for me, but here's how I came up with my choice. First, I believe that the defense had more to do with the team's overall success than the defense did.


Can't argue with your selections but you might want to fix the second sentence.


WHAT SAY YE?

"Shoot, we'll fix that!"

[UK Ramfan 83]

Yea, that's a fair assessment. Steven Jackson would have been a hair's bredth's behind long for MVP. Purely for his leadership and 8th consecutive 1k plus season.

Have been impressed with Dunbar's aggression, particularly post tackle! And loved the hit he put on Alex Smith to knock him out the game.

Great pick up.

[tomahawk247]

I agree with this, especially Long. The guy is a beast

[sosa39rams]

Im so happy we actually have a dominant defensive line for once. Add a S and an OLB that can at least do their jobs effectively, and we may very well be a top 7 D. The offense needs the most improvement though, like we've seen throughout the years.

[live4ramin]

For which? Defensive rookie?

MVP, honorable mention mention maybe?

[AvengerRam]

MVP, honorable mention mention maybe?

Not yet, but I'd say his ceiling is up there with the best players on the roster, if not higher.

[Ramendola16]

I'm disappointed by this list's lack of Craig Dahl. I expected better from an intelligent community such as this.

[NJ Ramsfan1]

I think this is a very good list and can't disagree with anyone here. I would however respectfully consider Robert Quinn for most improved- double digit sacks and a general all around good season. I think this guy is only scratching the surface of what he can do, although the same can certainly be said about Kendricks.

[rampower]

Special teams MVP? Legatron!

[fliptalianstallion]

Special teams MVP? Legatron!

That's debatable with Hekker and his 2 fake punts against the Whiners.

[Dr. Defense]

I would go so far as to argue that the most improved player was Chris Gibson. He really stepped it up this year. It looks like those days of dropping the easy balls are behind him and now he makes the impressive catches