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We’ve hit the midway point of the NFL season. We are starting to get an idea of how things may shake out come playoff time. With half the season behind us, we also now have an idea of who will take home the individual hardware. The staff of The 3 Point Conversion have compiled our midseason picks for the major individual awards. Away we go…
MVP: Todd Gurley- Running Back, Los Angeles Rams
Most of my fellow writers are going with Patrick Mahomes, which is completely understandable. The MVP award tends to go to quarterbacks and in any other year, I would agree. However, what Todd Gurley is doing this season cannot be denied. As the best player on the best team, he deserves some serious consideration. His case for the award goes beyond that, however.
Through 9 games, Gurley has 16 touchdowns (12 rushing and four receiving). To put that in perspective: the current record for total non-passing touchdowns in a season is held by LaDainian Tomlinson who had 31 in 2006. Gurley has a chance to break that. He’s on pace for 2,300 total yards this season. He is a dual threat both running and receiving and clearly the best runningback in the game today. Most importantly, he protects leads for the Rams by running effectively to seal the win. His pace will likely slow down as the playoffs approach but halfway through the season, Gurley is the MVP.-Alex Bab
Other Writers’ Selections:
Ab Stanley: Todd Gurley-Runningback, Los Angeles Rams
Allen Fields: Patrick Mahomes- Quarterback, Kansas City Chiefs
Damian Adams: Patrick Mahomes- Quarterback, Kansas City Chiefs
Eric Urbanowicz: Patrick Mahomes- Quarterback, Kansas City Chiefs
Raphael Haynes: Todd Gurley- Runningback, Los Angeles Rams
Terrell Belcher: Drew Brees-Quarterback, New Orleans Saints
Offensive Player Of The Year: Patrick Mahomes-Quarterback, Kansas City Chiefs
Mahomes is having the one of the best season in Chiefs’ history as a quarterback. He’s leading the league in passing, with 2,901 yards. It’s possible he could throw for 5,000. The Kansas City signal caller has done a number on the record book in his first year as a starter after replacing Alex Smith. Mahomes is already the youngest quarterback in history to throw for six touchdowns in a game at 22 years old. Through his first eight starts he’s thrown 22 touchdowns; an NFL record.
Mahomes has a number of weapons to keep him in the conversation as the year goes on. Not to mention he is the driving force for this 8-1 Chiefs team. Kansas City leads the league in scoring with 36 points per game. He might not walk away with MVP honors but Patrick Mahomes is the NFL’s best offensive player.-Terrell Belcher
Other Writers’ Selections:
Ab Stanley: Todd Gurley-Runningback, Los Angeles Rams
Alex Bab: Patrick Mahomes- Quarterback, Kansas City Chiefs
Allen Fields: Todd Gurley- Runningback, Los Angeles Rams
Damian Adams: Todd Gurley- Runningback, Los Angeles Rams
Eric Urbanowicz: Todd Gurley- Runningback, Los Angeles Rams
Raphael Haynes: Patrick Mahomes- Quarterback, Kansas City Chiefs
Defensive Player Of The Year: Aaron Donald- Defensive Tackle, Los Angeles Rams
We are in an offensive age of the NFL where great defense is becoming a rare entity. In today’s NFL, a great defensive lineman is more valuable than ever as quarterbacks are tearing defenses apart at an all time rate. Aaron Donald is the best defensive lineman in the game and has had a huge impact on both the run and pass game, helping the Rams to a 8-1 start. The reigning defensive player of the year is extremely disruptive, creating pressure from the inside which isn’t easy to do. Donald is by far the Defensive Player of the Year so far with his 10 sacks, 29 tackles, and one fumble forced.-Damian Adams
Other Writers’ Selections:
Ab Stanley: Danielle Hunter-Defensive End, Minnesota Vikings
Alex Bab: Khalil Mack-Outside Linebacker, Chicago Bears
Allen Fields: Aaron Donald- Defensive Tackle, Los Angeles Rams
Eric Urbanowicz: Von Miller-Outside Linebacker, Denver Broncos
Raphael Haynes: Khalil Mack-Outside Linebacker, Chicago Bears
Terrell Belcher: Aaron Donald-Defensive Tackle, Los Angeles Rams
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Saquon Barkley- Running Back, New York Giants
While Denver Broncos’ half back Phillip Lindsey has more rushing yards, Barkley has been one of the most complete backs in the NFL this season. Barkley, at the time of this writing is seventh in rushing yards, fifth in rushing touchdowns and 27th in receiving yards. What’s even crazier: he leads all rookies in receiving yards, making his abilities even more valuable. As a duel threat running back, he provides a fear that he can burn defenses in the run game and in the pass game.
The quarterbacks that were drafted earlier this year have shown they have futures in the league (for the most part). However, none of the numbers being put out are eye popping. At least not in the way that Barkley’s have been. Should he continue, we may see the former Penn State running back receiving his gold jacket and Hall of Fame bust in Canton one day.-Eric Urbanowicz
Other Writers’ Selections:
Ab Stanley: Calvin Ridley-Wide Receiver, Atlanta Falcons
Alex Bab: Saquon Barkley- Runningback, New York Giants
Allen Fields: Saquon Barkley- Runningback, New York Giants
Damian Adams: Saquon Barkley- Runningback, New York Giants
Raphael Haynes: Saquon Barkley- Runningback, New York Giants
Terrell Belcher: Kerryon Johnson-Runningback, Detroit Lions
Defensive Rookie Of The Year: Darius Leonard- Linebacker, Indianapolis Colts
A relative unknown early on at South Carolina State, Leonard played well enough to appear on the NFL’s radar, starting with his 2016 MEAC Defensive Player of the Year season. His stock rose even more after an eye opening combine. The Colts selected him early in the second round (36th overall pick). He has certainly paid off in a big way so far.
He leads the NFL in tackles with 88. That’s not a misprint either. That alone is enough. He also has four sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and seven tackles for loss. That all adds up to a runaway defensive rookie player of the year award. His ability to read and react has put him in position to constantly make plays. His sideline to sideline speed has been a surprise. His strength is he’s a sure tackler, which is pretty evident.-Allen Fields
Other Writers’ Selections:
Ab Stanley: Darius Leonard-Linebacker, Indianapolis Colts
Alex Bab: Denzel Ward- Cornerback, Cleveland Browns
Damian Adams: Derwin James- Safety, Los Angeles Chargers
Eric Urbanowicz: Denzel Ward, Cornerback, Cleveland Browns
Raphael Haynes: Bradley Chubb- Outside Linebacker, Denver Broncos
Terrell Belcher: Darius Leonard-Linebacker, Indianapolis Colts
Comeback Player Of The Year: Andrew Luck-Quarterback, Indianapolis Colts
For two full seasons, the Indianapolis Colts had to answer questions about that week’s starting quarterback. Incumbent starter Andrew Luck missed the entire 2016 and 2017 NFL seasons with a shoulder injury. He’s returned this season, looking every bit the part of a former first overall pick. Luck has thrown for 2,187 yards, is second in the NFL with with 23 touchdowns and only has eight interceptions. Those are gaudy numbers, considering the lack of skill position players he has around him and his average offensive line.
The Colts have had a tough season so far with a 3-5 record but the offense is moving the ball. Indianapolis ranks sixth in points per game and tenth in total yards per game. Luck being under center gives the team at least the hope that their season isn’t over.-Ab Stanley
Other Writers’ Selections:
Alex Bab: J.J. Watt- Defensive End, Houston Texans
Allen Fields: Deshaun Watson- Quarterback, Houston Texans
Damian Adams: Deshaun Watson- Quarterback, Houston Texans
Eric Urbanowicz: J.J. Watt- Defensive End, Houston Texans
Raphael Haynes: Deshaun Watson- Quarterback, Houston Texans
Terrell Belcher: Adrian Peterson-Runningback, Washington Redskins
Coach Of The Year: Anthony Lynn, Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers came into the training camp as a Super Bowl contender but adversity hit them when their big-play cornerback Jason Verrett tore his Achilles tendon. They’ve also been without their Pro Bowl defensive end Joey Bosa all season. Yet still, Lynn has led them to a 6-2 record, winning five in a row. The defense has gotten better each week and the offense looks explosive. The only knock on Lynn this season is sticking with their place kicker.
Lynn has instilled his calmness and his even-kill attitude into the team. Because of this, he has full control and has earned the respect and trust of his ball club. With quarterback Phillip Rivers and company buying in on Lynn’s philosophy, the Chargers look prime for a deep run. The Kansas City Chiefs lead the division but the Chargers are looking more like the most complete team (besides special teams), not only in their division but maybe in the entire league.-Raphael Haynes
Other Writers’ Selections:
Ab Stanley: Andy Reid-Kansas City Chiefs
Alex Bab: Sean McVay-Los Angeles Rams
Allen Fields: Jay Gruden-Washington Redskins
Damian Adams: Sean Payton- New Orleans Saints
Eric Urbanowicz: Sean McVay-Los Angeles Rams
Terrell Belcher: Andy Reid-Kansas City Chiefs
