Article by Antwon "Smitty" Smith
and Marlin Malcolm
The 2018 NFL season has been nothing short of spectacular thus far and seems it'll be even better the second half of the year, but lets keep focus on who the top players ate so far in 2018. There have been some close races in all categories and will be all season. Let's take a look at my picks for NFL mid-season awards and tell me if you agree or disagree, let's go!
Offensive Rookie of the Year
There have been some great play from first year rookies as QB's Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield seem to be adjusting to the next level but still have some area's they need to grow. One of the surprise picks of the first round Calvin Ridley is showing why he was one of the best receivers in college football and will take the reigns after Julio Jones. Saquon Barkley however is just another monster that will be unleashed once the Giants get their playbook together.
Smitty's pick: Saquon Barkley RB New York Giants
"This guy is a bigger version of Barry Sanders", says Marlin Malcolm one of my sports buddies and to be honest I couldn't agree more. His shiftiness and agility make him one of the toughest backs to tackle. Did I mention is vision is that of a veteran. Look for this kid to be in the record books when his career is done.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
The defensive rookies have put on a show despite fans and critics saying that it's a thing of the past. Rookie linebacker Darius Leonard's leadership and play is something the Colts haven't seen at that position in a while. Derwin James has been as advertised as he has played like the freak of nature he's been casted out to be and the best is yet to come. Denzel Ward has been one of the bright young stars in Cleveland that's dedicated to turning that team around and giving the naysayers a reason to continue to talk about why he was picked forth overall. Bradley Chubb' s had his growing pains but playing alongside one of the best in Von Miller will help his game and make him one of the greats.
Smitty's pick: Denzel Ward CB Cleveland Browns
When his name was called on draft day there was total shock around the league and with NFL with fans, but I understood from the jump why he was selected by the Browns. They were one of the most decimated teams in the secondary last season and Ward's coverage skills were easily the best in the draft, so put the two together, it's a match made in heaven. He even got praise from one of the best receivers in the league in Antonio Brown calling him a "Young Joe Haden", can't argue with that.
Offensive Player of the Year
This award has always been one of the toughest to decide and to me is the runner up trophy to MVP. There are great candidates again in 2018. A surprise pick would be Adam Thielen, the record breaking receiver who has recorded a 100-yard game thru week and could extend it a couple of more weeks. Something the great Jerry Rice didn't accomplish. Melvin Gordon of the Chargers has also reached the end zone a lot and balanced out LA's offense to the point were they've been as dangerous as they were when LT carried the rock. Speaking of LT his single season record may be in jeopardy because Todd Gurley is scoring touchdowns at will and he's not slowing down anytime soon. Even though his team has a losing record Matt Ryan has to be in this conversation, he may not have enough wins to take home the big one.
Smitty's pick: Todd Gurley RB Los Angeles Rams
Todd Gurley is still making those teams that passed on him regret their decision. He is still proving that he's one of the best running backs in the league. Gurley will only get stronger as the season goes on and his name will stay in the MVP conversation once again. If the Rams are to represent the NFC, it rests pin Gurley's legs.
Defensive Player of the Year
The Defensive player of the year is one of my favorite awards, because these are true game changers. Khalil Mack is easily at the top of many lists as it seems he's ended up in a better situation, which should be scary for opposing teams. The same could be said for Aaron Donald who had a 4-sack performance and continues to be a force in the NFL. J.J. Watt has returned to his old ways by getting after the QB, but Denver's Von Miller and z Minnesota's Danielle Hunter are right there statistically. This will come down to who can make the biggest impact down the stretch.
Smitty's pick: Aaron Donald DT Los Angeles Rams
Khalil Mack was at the top of my list early on but Aaron Donald is just a different type of monster that can take control of any game. The one advantage that Donald has over the competition is he is just as strong in the run game as he is rushing the passer, which puts him in a league of his own. Donald leads the league in sacks as a defensive tackle which is a rare occurrence. If he gets 15 sacks this season, the award is definitely his for the taking.
NFL MVP
The MVP award will be a photo finish this season because of records being broken and players leading their teams to near perfect records. Patrick Mahomes is on a record-setting pace and with Andy Reid calling plays, Mahomes will become more lethal as his career progresses. Drew Brees on the other hand, cemented his name in Canton after becoming the all-time yardage leader and reaching the 500 touchdown plateau, so all that's left is to ride off into the sunset a Super Bowl champion. Aaron Rodgers is in this conversation because he will put up numbers and always put his team in a situation to win. He may be the sleeper out of my bunch. Todd Gurley will be in this conversation as long as he keeps scoring touchdowns. Last but not least Tom Brady can put up numbers and likely add another division title to his resumé.
Smitty's pick: Patrick Mahomes QB Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes is probably the next big star in the NFL. He only had one start his rookie season, but it was just to give NFL fans a glimpse into his very bright future. Mahomes has 26 touchdown passes thru 8 games which is an NFL record. He has all the weapons a quarterback could dream of in any league. Mahomes may have also have bought Andy Reid some time to help him grow into the young talent everybody is raving about. Don't be surprised if he's in Atlanta at seasons' end raising a Lombardi trophy in only his second season.
Coach of the Year
This year's coaching candidates are the usual suspects like Bill Belichick, Sean Payton and Andy Reid, but new comers like Sean McVay and Jay Gruden look to crash the party. McVay has the Rams headed towards a deep playoff run, while Gruden has the Skins' atop the NFC East. Sean Payton and Andy Reid also have division leaders.
Smitty's pick: Sean McVay HC Los Angeles Rams
McVay has the Rams headed for a very bright future with a young core on offense and the right mix of youngsters and veterans on defense. If he can get the talent he needs down the road, we could be looking at the next great head coach grow right before our very eyes. Did I mention he's 19-5 in his first season and a half.
Those are my award winners for the first half of the 2018 season, but there is still a lot of football left to play. How many of my mid-season winners can take home their respective awards? I'll say there's a good 50/50 chance, I'll take those odds anyday.
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