subject: Nfl Tickets - Midseason Awards [print this page] Here are the players that I think are the frontrunners to win the 2009 NFL Awards after eight weeks of the season, and a few awards of my own.
Most Valuable Player - Peyton Manning, Quarterback, Indianapolis Colts: Is there really any other choice at this point? There are some other guys having some really nice seasons, but Manning is playing out of his mind. I think he's playing better than he did in his record-setting season a few years back and any fans that can get their hands on NFL tickets to see this guy play should do so this season. Manning is like a coach out on the field and he works harder than any other player in the game. I truly think we're seeing the best player to ever play the quarterback position and he's in line to acquire his fourth MVP award this season. Did I mention his team is yet to lose a game through eight weeks?
Offensive Player - Adrian Peterson, Running Back, Minnesota Vikings: I wanted to find a more unique pick for this award, but I can't deny Peterson's numbers. He's second in the league in rushing, first in the NFC, and has scored nine touchdowns. He's also amassed more receiving yards than Steven Jackson and Chris Johnson, two players I considered for this award. Peterson is just the guy here. He's the most dangerous running back in the league and his blend of power and speed is unmatched, perhaps in the history of the game. He's Bo Jackson reborn, and hopefully he stays healthy.
Defensive Player of the Year - Elvis Dumervil, Defensive End, Denver Broncos: This guy is having a breakout season. He's already got 10 sacks and has been terrorizing quarterbacks. He's really taken to Mike Nolan's defensive scheme, and this whole Broncos defensive unit is much-improved from last season. Dumervil is a big reason for this, and while he might slow down a bit and end up not winning the award at the end of the season, he deserves the recognition at this point.
Rookie of the Year - Percy Harvin, Wide Receiver, Minnesota Vikings: Harvin has been an impact player since Week 1, but it's not just as a receiver that he makes big plays. He's proving to be an electric return man, as well, and he seems to be a legitimate big play threat every time he touches the ball.
Best Quarterback - Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts: See MVP section.
Best Running Back - Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings: See Offensive Player section.
Best Wide Receiver - Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts: Wayne has been fantastic this season and is truly an elite receiver in this league. The days of him playing second fiddle to Marvin Harrison seem like a distant memory.
Best Tight End - Dallas Clark, Indianapolis Colts: Owen Daniels might have landed here had he not suffered a season-ending injury against the Bills. Clark has been fantastic this season and has really stepped up as Peyton Manning's second option with Anthony Gonzalez out.
Biggest Surprise - Cedric Benson, Running Back, Cincinnati Bengals: It's got to be Cedric Benson, right? Benson was decent toward the end of last season, but nobody expected him to be among the top rushers in the league this season, posting huge games like the matchup with his former team in which he ripped off 189 yards on the ground.
