The NFL is not a place for the weak of skill. It’s a league featuring the most elite players in the world, so the best deserve to be recognized.
The league has been its usually unpredictable self in 2014, with the Cardinals possessing the best record in the NFL and the Browns leading their division.
Meanwhile, the Saints are struggling to stay above .500 and somehow still lead the NFC South. Despite the uncertainty, there are some players who have stood out and deserve recognition.
MVP: Andrew Luck, QB, Colts
There’s a reason the Colts let Peyton Manning, their best quarterback in franchise history, leave for Denver in 2012. They banked on Luck for the future, and they’re reaping the rewards in 2014.
Luck leads all quarterbacks with 3,085 passing yards in nine games and is on pace to break the single-season record of 5,477 yards. He has thrown for more than 300 yards in seven consecutive games and is second in the league with 26 touchdown passes.
More incredible, Luck is not doing this with an all-star cast of receivers. He has relied on 35-year-old Reggie Wayne, a skilled but still young T.Y. Hilton and running back journeyman Ahmad Bradshaw for his top receiving threats. Luck works with what he has, and it’s frightening to imagine the Colts without him.
The Colts lead the AFC South at 6-3 and still have a great chance at getting a first-round bye in the playoffs. If they can keep up their success, then the MVP is Luck’s for the taking.
Defensive Player of the Year: J.J. Watt, DE, Texans
Watt is the only reason the Houston Texans have any sort of chance of making the playoffs this season. He continues to prove games can be won by more than just offensive players.
The best thing about Watt is his versatility. Despite having the build and strength to rush the quarterback, Watt also has the ability to intercept a ball and take it back for a touchdown. His wingspan creates a major disruption to passing lanes, and Watt’s seven pass deflections are top among defensive linemen.
Watt’s deflection ability is like when a shutdown corner locks on to a team’s best
receiver. All of a sudden, an entire side of the field is taken away, and offenses must change their game plans. Combine that with Watt’s ability to get to the quarterback, and he’s a threat nobody else in the NFL has.
The Texans are only two games out of the playoff picture, but a postseason berth shouldn’t affect Watt’s DPOY candidacy. No one else is affecting defenses like Watt, and he needs to be recognized for his abilities.
Rookie of the Year: Sammy Watkins, WR, Bills
For ROY awards, it usually comes down to reps. The rookie who’s gotten the most starts will typically get the most production. Watkins is your winner this season, becoming the Bills best offensive weapon in only nine games.
Watkins’ speed and top-notch route-running translate perfectly to the NFL, and he has turned Buffalo into a competent offense. He has recorded 42 receptions for 617 receiving yards, including a game-winning touchdown catch in a 17-16 win against the Vikings in week seven.
The Bills have not made the postseason this century, but Watkins could be the guy who finally changes the trend. It probably won’t happen this season, but if Watkins can stay healthy, he could be the savior of the franchise.
Tommy Romanach is a 22-yearold mass communication senior from Dallas, Texas. You can reach him on Twitter @troman_92.