Patriots Come Up Empty In Mid-Season Awards

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Scott Cordischi, GoLocalProv Sports Editor

We’re halfway through the 2010 NFL season and the Patriots are in good shape at (6-2). Tomorrow night they will travel to Pittsburgh who, like New England, is also (6-2). Is this a preview of things to come in the AFC playoffs? Maybe. At the very least, it could have a major impact to playoff seeding in the AFC.

But before we start the second half of the season, let’s hand out some mid-season awards with the understanding that much could change between now and the end of the season. With that said, here are your mid-season awards:

MVP: Peyton Manning – While there is no clear-cut leader, Manning rates the edge. The Colts have been ravaged by injury yet Manning keeps plugging along as the game’s best quarterback. He has completed 65% of his passes for 2,478 yards, 16 TD’s and 4 INT’s. At (5-3), his Colts are tied for first in the AFC South.

Honorable mention:

Tom Brady – Despite a young defense and no Randy Moss, Brady (1,826 yds, 14 TD’s, 4 INT’s) has helped lead the Pats to the best record in the league with his solid play. Still, he has been something short of spectacular both in his play and his leadership.
Phillip Rivers – He’s on pace to throw for a record 6,000 yards this season with 38 TD’s despite not having Vincent Jackson and Antonio Gates. The problem is, his Chargers are just (4-5). Still, San Diego looks like they are starting one of those mid to late season runs which could place him right in the thick of the MVP race.
Arian Foster – If the Texans win the AFC South, he will warrant serious consideration. He leads the league in rushing (864 yards) and TD’s (9).

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: Randy Moss – His actions on the field and off speak for themselves. Regardless of how you feel about the man personally, he still has the ability to be one of the game’s most productive receivers. Now on his third team in nine weeks, this may be the last chance for him to salvage this season and have a shot at getting a decent contract this off season.
Honarable mention:
Alex Smith – The hopes of the 49ers rest on his right arm and all he continues to do is disappoint. San Francisco looked like a team poised to win the NFC West and go to the playoffs this year. Now they look like a franchise that needs an overhaul at the two most important positions: coach and quarterback.

BEST TEAM: N.Y. Giants – After a (1-2) start to the season, the G-Men were getting ripped in New York. Now, after 5 consecutive wins, they are playing better than any team in the NFL. Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs are a great 1-2 punch in the backfield helping take the pressure off of Eli Manning who is playing well. Plus, the Giants offensive and defensive lines are playing great football.
Honarable mention:
Pittsburgh Steelers, NY Jets, Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots – The Pats may be the weakest of this bunch because they lack what the other three have – a great defense. However, the Pats have Tom Brady and Bill Belichick which certainly helps.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: (Tie) Mike Williams (Tampa Bay) and Ndamukong Suh (Detroit) – Suh has been as advertised after dominating in college at Nebraska. The Lions finally have a respectable defense thanks to Suh’s presence up front. He’s the only defensive tackle in the top 20 in sacks with 6 ½ which ranks him 11th in the league.
Williams’ talent has never been a question, but he was an enigma at Syracuse where he was eventually kicked off the team. Apparently the young man has grown up. His 559 yards and 5 TD’s have helped the Bucs to a (5-3) start making them the surprise team of the NFC.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Clay Mathews – This one was easy. The Green bay LB leads the league with 10 ½ sacks and has been a force for the Packers.
Honorable mention:
Jerod Mayo – He leads the NFL in tackles (96) and without him it would be scary to think how bad the Patriots defense might be.
Osi Umenyiora – The Giants are on a roll and he’s a big reason why. He has 8 sacks and a ridiculous 7 forced fumbles thus far.

COACH OF THE YEAR: Raheem Morris – Okay, it may have been a over the top when he suggested that the Bucs were the best team in the NFL. Still, no one had the Bucs contending for a playoff spot this season and here they are right in the thick of the things midway through the season.
Honorable Mention:
Todd Haley – Some will say that Charlie Weiss and Romeo Crennell are responsible for the Chiefs quick turnaround. That would be unfair. When things are going bad, the head coach gets most of the blame. Why shouldn’t he get most of the credit when things are going well?