MVP: Lamar Jackson, quarterback (Ravens)
His relatively lackluster performance in the Divisional Round can't possibly overshadow all of the great things Jackson did this season. To put it simply, Jackson flat-out owned the league in 2019. While he delivered plenty of eye-popping stats (44 total TD's, NFL record 1,206 rushing YDS for a QB, 113.3 QBR, only 6 INT's on 401 passing attempts) and absurd highlight reel plays, what impressed me the most was the composure he showed during the Ravens 12-game win streak that included victories over 5 playoff teams (Seahawks, Patriots, Texans, 49ers, Bills) and the strides he made as a passer under the tutelage of new OC Greg Roman after a pretty rough rookie season through the air. Hopefully this is just the opening act of a long reign of dominance for one of the most electric players I've ever had the pleasure of watching.
Honorable Mentions: Russell Wilson, quarterback (Seahawks), Michael Thomas, wide receiver (Saints), Christian McCaffery, running back (Panthers)
Offensive Player of the Year: Michael Thomas, wide receiver (Saints)
If this was a just system where non-QB's received legitimate consideration, Thomas would be in the MVP conversation. Not only he did set a new single season record for receptions (149), average nearly 108 receiving YDS per game, catch over 80% of his targets and post 9 TD's for the 3rd time in 4 seasons, he did all of this while in a Saints offense that lacked consistently viable secondary options in the passing game, didn't run the ball overly well (16th in the league) and was without Drew Brees for 5 games. Even for a guy that has displayed the remarkable level of consistency that Thomas has over his inaugural 4 seasons in the league, this is going to be a hard campaign to top.
Honorable Mentions: Christian McCaffery (Panthers), Derrick Henry (Titans), George Kittle (49ers)
Defensive Player of the Year: T.J. Watt, outside linebacker (Steelers)
It's weird to have a year where there's no clear frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year. Instead of someone absolutely dominating the way Aaron Donald, J.J. Watt and Luke Kuechly did in recent years, there was about a half dozen or so guys that put together very good seasons. Of this bunch, I have to give the edge to T.J. Watt. With his smarts, explosiveness and versatile playmaking (55 tackles, 14.5 sacks, 36 QB hits, 14 TFL's, 8 passes defensed, 2 INT's, 4 fumble recoveries, a league-leading 8 forced fumbles) on the edge that is reminiscent of his older brother, Watt emerged as the anchor of a vicious, takeaway-happy Steelers defense that kept this team competitive during a year where a rash of devastating injuries severely limited their offense all season long.
Honorable Mentions: Aaron Donald, defensive tackle (Rams), Eric Kendricks, inside linebacker (Vikings), Richard Sherman, cornerback (49ers)
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Josh Jacobs, running back (Raiders)
Jon Gruden's old school meathead approach to coaching yielded far better results in year 2 and Jacobs-who rushed for 1,150 YDS and 7 TD's in just 13 games-was instrumental to that (relative) success. Having a tough, powerful workhorse back that averaged nearly 5 yards per carry not only allowed Gruden's primitive scheme to look good, but it also took the pressure off of Derek Carr to try and make things happen with an undermanned group of pass catchers. If Jacobs can stay healthy, he should become one of the best backs in the league in no time at all.
Honorable Mentions: A.J. Brown, wide receiver (Titans), Terry McLaurin, wide receiver (Redskins), DK Metcalf, wide receiver (Seahawks)
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Nick Bosa, defensive end (49ers)
Overcoming an injury-plagued offseason, Bosa proved to be as advertised during his rookie campaign. The lethal edge rusher out of Ohio State emerged as one of the focal points on a terrific 49ers front, amassing an impressive 47 tackles, 9 sacks, 25 QB hits, 2 fumble recoveries and an INT all while staying healthy for the duration of the season.
Honorable Mentions: Josh Allen, outside linebacker (Jaguars), Dexter Lawrence, defensive tackle (Giants), Devin Bush, inside linebacker (Steelers)
Comeback Player of the Year: Ryan Tannehill, quarterback (Titans)
It only took 8 seasons, but Tannehill finally had the breakout season many analysts/fans had been forecasting since he entered the league back in 2012 and it came under particularly unlikely circumstances. After replacing the struggling Marcus Mariota at quarterback in Week 7, Tannehill's staggeringly efficient and effective play (2,742 YDS, 22 TD's, 6 INT's, 70.3 CMP%, 117.5 QBR) under center helped the Titans win 7 of their last 10 games and secure the #6 playoff seed in the AFC. Enjoy your next big payday Mr.Tannehill, you've earned it.
Honorable Mentions: Cooper Kupp (Rams), Jimmy Garoppolo (49ers), Earl Thomas (Ravens)
Coach of the Year: Mike Vrabel (Titans)
John Harbaugh is a heavy favorite to win the official award on Saturday night and rightfully so, he oversaw a juggernaut that ripped off 12 straight wins to end the regular season. However, what Vrabel accomplished this season left far more of an impression on me. Even if you exclude (which the voters do as they turn in their ballots for these awards at the end of December) their improbable run to the AFC Championship, Vrabel brought this team to the playoffs after a poor 2-4 start by having the guts to make a midseason QB change and instilling a remarkable level of mental and physical toughness into his players that carried over to their play on the field.
Honorable Mentions: John Harbaugh (Ravens), Kyle Shanahan (49ers), Matt LaFluer (Packers)
All-Pro Teams:
Quarterback:
1st team: Lamar Jackson (Ravens)
2nd team: Russell Wilson (Sehawks)
Running Back:
1st team: Christian McCaffery (Panthers), Derrick Henry (Titans)
2nd team: Dalvin Cook (Vikings), Nick Chubb (Browns)
Wide Receiver
1st team: Michael Thomas (Saints), Chris Godwin (Buccaneers)
2nd team: Julio Jones (Falcons), DeAndre Hopkins (Texans)
Tight End:
1st team: George Kittle (49ers)
2nd team: Travis Kelce (Chiefs)
Tackle:
1st team: Ronnie Stanley (Ravens), Ryan Ramcyzk (Saints)
2nd team: Jason Peters (Eagles), Lane Johnson (Eagles)
Guard
1st team: Quenton Nelson (Colts), Brandon Brooks (Eagles)
2nd team: Zack Martin (Cowboys), Marshal Yanda (Ravens)
Center
1st team: Jason Kelce (Eagles)
2nd team: Ben Jones (Titans)
Defensive End
1st team: Cameron Heyward (Steelers), Cameron Jordan (Saints)
2nd team: Calias Campbell (Jaguars), Danielle Hunter (Vikings)
Defensive Tackle
1st team: Aaron Donald (Rams), Grady Jarrett (Falcons)
2nd team: DeForest Buckner (49ers), Fletcher Cox (Eagles)
Outside Linebacker
1st team: T.J. Watt (Steelers), Chandler Jones (Cardinals)
2nd team: Lavonte David (Buccaneers), Shaq Barrett (Buccaneers)
Inside Linebacker
1st team: Eric Kendricks (Vikings), Demario Davis (Saints)
2nd team: Luke Kuechly (Panthers), Bobby Wagner (Seahawks)
Cornerback
1st team: Richard Sherman (49ers), Tre'Davious White (Bills)
2nd team: Stephon Gilmore (Patriots), Marcus Peters (Rams/Ravens)
Safety
1st team: Justin Simmons (Broncos), Minkah Fitzpatrick (Dolphins/Steelers)
2nd team: Jamal Adams (Jets), Tyrann Mathieu (Chiefs)
Kicker
1st team: Justin Tucker (Ravens)
2nd team: Josh Lambo (Jaguars)
Punter
1st team: Brett Kern (Titans)
2nd team: Tress Way (Redskins)
Return Specialist
1st team: Deonte Harris (Saints), Cordarrelle Patterson (Bears)
2nd team: Dionate Johnson (Steelers), Mecole Hardman (Chiefs)
Special Teamer:
1st team: Matthew Slater (Patriots)
2nd team: J.T. Gray (Saints)
Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2020 Inductee Predictions:
Isaac Bruce, wide receiver (Teams: St. Louis Rams/San Francisco 49ers)
Alan Faneca, guard (Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers/New York Jets/Arizona Cardinals)
Edgerrin James, running back (Teams: Indianapolis Colts/Arizona Cardinals/Seattle Seahawks)
John Lynch, safety (Teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers/Denver Broncos)
Troy Polamalu, safety (Team: Pittsburgh Steelers)
Who I'd Vote for If I Had a Ballot:
Issac Bruce
Alan Fancea
Steve Hutchinson, guard (Teams: Seattle Seahawks/Minnesota Vikings)
Troy Polamalu
Richard Seymour, defensive end/tackle (Teams: New England Patriots/Oakland Raiders)
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