It’s that time of year that the NFL regular season has come to an end. Now the best of the best are ready to be noticed. Every year players, coaches, and fans anticipate whether their favorite player and/or teammate will receive the honor. Who will win these prestigious awards?
“I believe the MVP winner will be Patrick Mahomes by unanimous decision, while Jalen Hurtz will receive some consideration.” said Chiefs fan, Hunter Schram.
Patrick Mahomes, the quarterback for the Kansas city Chiefs, has been many peoples first choice for MVP. Mahomes threw for 5,250 yards, 41 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, with a 67.1 completion percentage, and a passer rating of 105.2. The 5,250 yards is the 3rd most passing of all time. Mahomes also broke the NFL’s all time record for most all purpose yards in a single season, with 5,614. This would be Mahomes second MVP once again solidifying him as the NFL’s golden boy. Now all greatness in this league does not come without competition. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, Jalen Hurtz, led the Eagles to a 14-3 record. Hurtz threw for 3,701 yards, 22 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, with a completion percentage of 66.5, and a passer rating of 101.5. While these stats appear to lack luster compared to Mahomes, the real conversation is what he does with his feet. Rushing for 760 yards, 13 touchdowns, on 165 carries, averaging 4.6 yards a carry. Hertz tied Randall Cunningham’s franchise record of 35 all purpose single season touchdowns. Both Mahomes and Hurtz have led their teams to the conference championship games. In my opinion this award is Mahomes. Looking at the raw stats and records he has broken this season are undeniable.
“Rookie of the year is easily Sauce Gardner. He is an all pro and pro bowler as a rookie. I would prefer Tariq Woolen, but I’m a Seahawks fan.” said, Seahawks fan, Sabian Stone.
Sauce Gardner, cornerback for the New York Jets, had one of the best seasons for a defensive rookie of all time. Gardner became the first rookie corner since Ronnie Lott, in 1982, to be selected to the NFL’s all pro team. His league leading 20 passes defended, 2 interceptions, and 51 solo tackles have never been seen by a rookie corner. Gardner going into the NFL never allowed a touchdown in a game. This resume kept up in the NFL. His only allowed touchdown was versus Cleveland Browns Receiver, Amari Cooper. Gardner’s Competition, Tariq Woolen, was quite the surprise. Woolen was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the 5th round of this year’s draft. Woolen surpassed all expectations with a three way tie league leading six interceptions, 16 passes defended, and 46 solo tackles. This earned Woolen a pro bowl nod, and along with Garnder, made him a finalist for defensive rookie of the year. Along with defensive rookies, there were plenty of nods on the offensive side of the ball. Gardner’s teammate, Garrett Wilson, is a wide receiver taken on six picks after Gardner, at tenth overall. His 1,103 yards, despite poor qb play, led all rookies. This goes along with 4 touchdowns, 83 receptions, while averaging 13.3 yards per reception. My choice for this award is by far Gardner. Allowing 1 touchdown and having 20 passes defending are elite stats, at a position that usually needs a year or two to properly develop.
“Coach of the year is a harder decision. I could really go two ways. I would have to choose Doug Peterson. After what he did to the Jaguars I’m convinced” said schram.
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach, Doug Peterson, took the worst team in football and made them a contender. After a 3-14 record, resulting in the number one overall pick, Peterson used that pick to take Trevon Walker. Peterson fixed the mistakes of previous coach, Urban Myer, by properly developing quarterback Trevor Lawerence. By making Lawerence a top 10 quarterback the Jaguars finished with a 9-8 record, and won their division. Going into the playoffs the Jaguars faced the Los Angeles Chargers. After the first half Peterson’s Jaguars were down 27-0. Due to Peterson’s intelligent coaching, the Jaguars pulled off the third largest playoff comeback of all time.New York Giants head coach, Brain Daboll did wonders to what was once thought to be a crumbling franchise. After the 2021-2022 season the Giants fired head coach, Joe Judge, and promptly filled the role with Daboll. The Giants finished last in their division, with a 4-13 record. Daboll once the draft rolled around drafted cornerstone players such as Kayvon Thibodeaux and Evan Neal. Daboll is responsible for the development of these players. As well as developing previous draft picks Andrew Thomas and Dexter Lawerence. Throughout the course of the season Daboll and the Giants quickly picked up steam. Starting out 6-1, beating out competitive teams like the Ravens and the Packers. Daboll finished the season with a 9-7-1 record, and the sixth seed in the playoffs. Hopes looked bleak for the Giants going into the playoffs because their opponent, the 13-4 Minnesota Vikings, was ready for a win. Daboll went into U.S Bank Stadium and started to shake the football world. Daboll beat the Vikings 31-24. The New York Giants won a playoff game. If it was up to me this honor would go to Daboll. Daboll revived the careers of multiple players such as Saquon Barkley and Issaih Hodges. This unprecedented playoff appearance I find more impressive than the Jaguars, due to the Vikings being a better team this year.
“Undoubtedly Nick Bosa. Without him that defense would be several tiers lower. Chris Jones deserves credit too. He had a career year.” said Stone.
Nick Bosa, Defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers, was the cornerstone of this defense. With a league leading 18.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 41 solo tackles, Bosa had one of the most decorated years among all players. With five games of more than one sack, including an impressive three sack performance against the Seahawks. Bosa with the help of other defensive gems, Talanoa Hufanga and Arik Armsted, led his team to a 13-4 record and the second seed in the NFC playoffs. Bosa competition comes in the form of Kansas City Chiefs Defensive tackle, Chris Jones. With 15.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and 30 solo tackles, Jones was the most productive player on the Chiefs defense, and arguably the whole AFC. Without Jones the Chiefs defense would statiscally be one of the worst in the league. Despite Jones’ importance to the Chiefs, I believe Bosa should win the award. I believe the sack leader should always be in the conversation for this award. Last year TJ Watt won with 22.5 sacks, tying the all time record. Bosa is a generational talent along with his brother Joey Bosa.
