Your 2018 NFL Award Winners Are...

Which NFL players will take home this year's Football Focal Point Awards?

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If I had to use to one word to describe the 2018-2019 season, it would electrifying. Numerous break out players, prodigious and monster rookie productions and classic offensive shootouts. For the first time in a long time, the NFL delivered a seriously talented rookie class that is soon to be the face of the league. As the season comes to a close, and we countdown the amount of Sundays left until our favorite teams play again (about 32 weeks from today, January 25), let’s take a look at the electrifying players that had us sitting on the edge of our seats.

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Most Valuable Player: Patrick Mahomes

Without a doubt in anyone’s mind, Patrick Mahomes is this year’s Most Valuable Player. Kermit, ehem, I mean Mahomes, rallied the Chiefs to a 12-4 record and the 1^st seed in the AFC, despite being burdened with the league’s worst defense (which allowed over 400 yards and 26 points per game). Shocking the world, he exceeded all expectations of him; leading the league in passing and TDs with 5097 yards and 50 TDs (only the third ever QB to throw for 5000+ and 50 TDs), and an astonishing 13.3 yards per completion! The man was a human highlight reel, slinging no-look passes, operating with pinpoint accuracy and showcasing his rocket arm strength. When gauging the importance of a player on a team, it helps to imagine what the team would look like if the player in question was not on the team. It’s safe to say that the Chief would be a 4-12 or 3-13 team, had it not been for Mahomes stellar performances.

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Defensive MVP: Khalil Mack

This choice may raise some eyebrows, as the obvious choice to many is Aaron Donald. But when choosing a “most valuable” player, one must evaluate the extent of the player’s impact. Ask yourself, did Donald uplift the 9^th ranked scoring defense in 2017, to the best scoring defense in the NFL? If you’re confused, the answer is no. Mack put up crazy numbers in just a 14 game span, totaling 12.5 sacks, 6 forced fumbles and 47 tackles. Khalil Mack’s worth to the Bears, both as a leader and player, far surpasses Aaron Donald, who just puts up numbers; in fact, the Rams’ defense got worse, allowing 20.6 PPG in 2017, to 24 PPG in 2018 (despite adding Marcus Peters, Aqib Talib, and Donte Fowler!). Mack turned a good defense into an extraordinary defense, a true characteristic of a defensive MVP.

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Offensive MVP: Drew Brees

Had it not been for the horrendously officiated NFC Championship game, Drew Brees would be in the Super Bowl, and the clear favorite to win. Brees, at the ripe age of 40, willed the Saints to a 13-3 record, having no real, legitimate targets to throw to besides Michael Thomas. Brees, being both as a ferocious leader and brilliant sharpshooter has elevated the Saints to the status of a perennial Super Bowl contender. Brees is like a block of fine artisan cheese, ascending in quality as he ages. Watching him throw the ball is like poetry in motion, and you can almost always expect the ball to be on the money considering his 74.4% completion percentage! Drew is the epitome of passion and leadership, acting as an example for every QB in the NFL. 

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Rookie of the Year: Baker Mayfield

Baker Mayfield has surpassed every expectation of him; giving the Browns a new air of confidence and energy. Starting in just 13 games, Mayfield surpassed the rookie QB touchdown record, on the way to winning 7 games (with 5 of their losses coming within 7 or less). For a little guy, Baker shows true heart, leadership, and love for the game, portrayed in his competitive attitude. Besides his intangibles, laser-focused accuracy and brilliant decision-making make him a serious threat to the opposition. Baker has elevated the Browns to a playoff contending team, and with a new coaching staff, it won't be long until we see all the tricks this guy has got up his sleeve.

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Offensive Rookie of the Year: Saquon Barkley

Entering the 2018 draft, the Giants had an immense need at the quarterback position; and with a slew of potentially talented QBs in the first round, most were convinced the Giants would go QB with the 2^nd pick. They instead drafted Saquon Barkley, a young prodigy that has taken the league by storm. It’s almost hypnotizing to watch the man run; he can turn a 2-yard play into a 60 yard TD. His athleticism is unparalleled, a key factor in his 1307 yard rookie campaign (all while working with a sub-par offensive line). With the 2^nd pick in the 2018 draft, the New York Giants cemented their backfield, and a top 5 RB, for a long time.

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Defensive Rookie of the Year: Darius Leonard

Anyone that follows my blog knows that there are two young players that I am extremely high on; Baker Mayfield and Darius Leonard. The term sideline to sideline does not do him justice. As my old coach would say, he flies to the ball like a bat out of hell; picking through the tightest of lanes, tracking down the fastest and shiftiest of ball carriers and flying through gaps to demolish QBs in the backfield. Leonard accrued 163 tackles, 7 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles, along with All-Pro honors, not too shabby for your first year in the league. After all, leading the league in tackles as a rookie is a sure-fire sign that you’ll be a problem for years to come.

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Coach of the Year: Andy Reid

Finally, one of the most underappreciated coaches in the NFL gets the recognition he deserves. For years Andy Reid has been flying under the radar; every year making it to the playoffs with a marginal (at best) squad, but never being able to make a deep run. Now, with a talented offensive team, Reid was finally able to make the impact he so desired, coming within arm’s reach of the Super Bowl. Reid was the mad scientist behind Mahomes’ insane output, conjuring intricate play calls and complex schemes. To me, Reid should win over guys like McVay, Nagy or anyone else in the conversation for COTY, solely because of the lack of talent he had to work with (compared to the other guys) and how far he led them. Reid took the worst defense in the NFL to the AFC Championship! Give Andy Reid a solid defense, and you’ve got a guaranteed dynasty in KC.

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Comeback Player of the Year: Andrew Luck

After proving that he was an adequate replacement for The Sherriff (Peyton Manning), it seems Luck was jinxed. Plagued with a shoulder injury that had consistently haunted him since the 2015 season, Luck was finally able to return to the field in 2018. He wasted no time picking up where he left off, kicking ass and taking names. The Colts train took some time to pick up speed, but once they started chugging, they seemed almost unstoppable during the regular season, winning 8 of their last 9 games to make a push for the playoffs. Despite numerous surgeries to his throwing shoulder, Luck hasn’t lost any of his speed, throwing for 4,593 yards and 39 TDs, it seems like he never left. With his 2018 campaign, the bearded magician they call Luck has clearly proven his resilience and ability to beat the odds.


What did you think of my picks? Drop a comment of which ones you agree or disagree with and we can discuss/debate it =)