NFL 2011 Mid-Season Awards

Making predictions of an upcoming NFL season is basically akin to swinging a stick at a pinata blindfolded, yet without knowing if such a target truly exists. The reason of an educated guess can be leaned upon, yet there is no real science because too many unknown factors lurk in shadows set aside annually by the enemies of success.

Even with a 2011 season hurriedly smashed together after a players strike that killed much of the preseason, the league has gone on collecting the offerings of fans as this circus barks town to town. The actual play on the field may have degenerated some, but much of this stems from rules that were set out without much clear thought instilled.

As the NFL hits the midpoint of the 2011 season, there are already reasons to rejoice about the game. Some surprises have been peppered in with the unexpected and relied upon. As the pretend awards are passed out, on their way to the real ones in a few months, we look back at preseason predictions and compare them with the reality of here and now.



MVP : Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback, Green Bay Packers


I picked Rodgers to win this award a few months ago, and he has played as expected. His team, which relies on him heavily, is undefeated and showing they could be better than the Packers squad that won it all last year. I still think he walks away with the NFL MVP Award when he season ends, and Rodgers has done nothing to show why he won't yet.

Matt Forte, Frank Gore, Drew Brees, and Eli Manning are worth noting for their efforts so far.






Offensive Player of the Year : Fred Jackson, Halfback, Buffalo Bills


My preseason selection, Ray Rice of the Baltimore Ravens, has done nothing but show why I selected him. Yet Jackson is the biggest reason the Bills are in first place in the AFC East. He leads the NFL in rushing yards and is just 47 yards away from leading the league in total yards from scrimmage.

Jackson already had the respect of the league for his versatility, and it appears he is headed to his first Pro Bowl season. If he holds up this year, since the Bills rely on him so heavily, Buffalo could make the playoffs for the first time since 1999.

Rice, Forte, LeSean McCoy, Wes Welker, Calvin Johnson, and Steve Smith are all certainly capable of winning this award when the season ends.










Defensive Player of the Year : Jared Allen, Defensive End, Minnesota Vikings


The player I picked to win this award, Ndamukong Suh, has been average for most of this season. Allen has been awesome all season. He is tied with the most fumbles forced, fumbles recovered, and passes defended amongst all defensive linemen.

He leads everyone with 12.5 sacks and is fourth in tackles amongst defensive linemen. Allen has also found time to intercept a pass. While the Vikings have struggled this season, it could be a lot worse if Allen wasn't having the season he currently is. Minnesota has been mostly competitive because he keeps caving in offensive lines off the edge.

Nick Barnett, Kameron Chancellor, Darrelle Revis, Charles Woodson, and Jason Pierre-Paul are just a few players who could be considered for this award.







Offensive Rookie of the Year : Cameron Newton, Quarterback, Carolina Panthers


My selection, Daniel Thomas, has struggled with his health all year and is fourth amongst all rookies in rushing yards. Newton is third so far.

But it isn't just his legs that makes him special. Despite being the first draft selection of 2011, pundits expected him to struggle from the spread offense, that he played in college, to the pro style offense. Newton has had a few rookie struggles, but he has mostly stood out for his struggling Panthers.

He has performed so well that Carolina hardly runs the football this year despite giving halfback DeAngelo Williams just 75 carries so far after making him one of the highest paid halfbacks in the game before the season started.

Newton has already set team records, by throwing for 432 yards in one game and 854 yards in two consecutive games. His 422 yards passing in his debut is the most in NFL history, and the 854 yards thrown in his first two games is also a NFL record.

Not only is Newton the first rookie in NFL history to pass for more than 400 yards in first career start, as well as the first rookie in NFL history to pass for more than 400 yards in first two career starts, he is just the sixth quarterback ever to throw for over 400 yards in consecutive games.

He is the only player in NFL history with at least five rushing touchdowns and five passing touchdowns in his first five games, and he is one rushing touchdown away from having for most rushing touchdowns by a rookie quarterback.

Andy Dalton, who is having an excellent season so far as the starting quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals, is the only rookie in the discussion with Newton. Dalton has done well, but the surprising Bengals sit on top of the AFC North right now because of their defense.

Newton's team is not winning much yet, but the future appears bright for this 6'5" 248 lbs monster who already has the respect of opponents. He has a better quarterback rating than Dalton, as well as over 900 more passing yards. He is already the leader of a rebuilding Panthers franchise, and one day could be the best quarterback in the league.







Defensive Rookie of the Year : Patrick Peterson, Cornerback, Arizona Cardinals


My pick, J.J. Watt of the Houston Texans, is playing very well and is certainly in the running. So are players like Mason Foster, Ryan Kerrigan, Von Miller, Akeem Ayers, Marcell Dareus, Phil Taylor, and Brooks Reed.

Peterson leads all NFL rookies in solo tackles, interceptions, passes defended, and is third in total tackles. But what separates him is the work he does on special teams. He is already the best punt returner in the league.

He leads in the NFL with three touchdowns off of punt returns, punt return yards, and a whopping 21.8 average off of 19 returns. Peterson is already within reach of several NFL records.

His three touchdowns is tied with Devin Hester as the second most by a rookie in NFL history and one away from the record Hall of Famer Jack Christiansen set in 1951. He is just 242 yards away from the record Louis Lipps set in 1984 for the most punt return yards ever by a rookie. He is also within reach of the 23 yards per return average Herb Rich set on 12 returns in 1950.

His 99-yard punt return is the second longest ever in NFL history. It happened in overtime against the Saint Louis Rams, and was the first overtime by a rookie off a punt return since Tamarick Vanover did it in 1995.

If Peterson keeps up even half of this pace, as many suspect he will, there should be an easy task for the voters on who is the 2011 Defensive Rookie of the Year.








Comeback Player of the Year : Ben Tate, Houston Texans


I picked Tate and he is already fulfilling expectations. He already has 623 rushing yards despite being basically a reserve with limited touches. He is averaging a very impressive 5.7 yards per carry as well.

This award generally goes to players who, like Tate, are coming back from a previous year ruined by injuries. It also can go to an improved player who had previously struggled. Men like Ryan Fitzpatrick and Alex Green are in the running based on those facts.

Arian Foster is the star of the Texans. Not only is he the 2010 rushing yards leader, he leads the team in rushing yards , attempts, and touchdowns this season. Yet he has a lead of just 33 yards over Tate despite 45 more attempts and having started every game but two for Houston in 2011.

It will be curious to see how much longer the Texans keep this duo in tact beyond 2011. Tate has just one start this year, a number he undoubtedly would like to change down the road. Houston has the most rushing attempts and second most running yards by a team so far this year, which is a big reason the Texans sit on top of the AFC South right now.

Tate seems a cinch to join Foster as a pair off 1,000-yard rushers for the Texans this year. He has shown no residual effects from the broken leg he suffered during a 2010 exhibition game either. He has given no reason why he shouldn't win the 2011 Comeback Player of the Year Award.






Coach of the Year : Jim Harbaugh, San Francisco 49ers


There really is no doubt who is leading here. Harbaugh is leading one if the NFC's better teams with a good defense and rushing attack. Yet Harbaugh also has had a tremendous positive influence on quarterback Alex Smith, who has performed well despite having his top two wide receivers struggling to stay healthy this year.

My selection, Steve Spagnuolo, has seen his team play poorly. The Niners are already running away with the NFC West title, and their rookie head coach is a huge reason why. If Harbaugh keeps it going, he may pass his younger brother John in accolades. He and John Harbaugh, a successful head coach with the Baltimore Ravens, are the first pair of brothers to be NFL head coaches.







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New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons
Game of the Week

Da winner gets two sit alone on top of da NFC South, even if Atlanta has played one less game so far. Both teems have average defenses, but da explosive Saints offense has looked better than the more balanced Falsons offense so far.

Matt Ryan has been inconsistent with Atlanta all yeer, but da defense has looked better in each of da las three weaks. Drew Brees has been mostly awesone for New Orleans all seasun, but da inconsistent Saints defense can get exposed by a good running teem.

If Michael "Burner" Turner gets off, Atlanta wins. If not, look for Brees to make da difference.

Atlanta 30 Saints 28










Tennessee Titans @ Carolina Panthers

I really iz flippin a coin on hear. Cam Newton mite prove me wrong.

Titans 27 Panthers 24










Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals

OK, da Bungles have had a nice ride against da lesser teems. Now reality sets on.

Steelers 24 Bengals 20










Saint Louis Rams @ Cleveland Browns

YO! I rather have a labotomy den watch dis crap.

Rams 28 Browns 20










Buffalo Bills @ Dallas Cowboys

I tink da Bills fun ride is over. I don't tink much of da Cowboys, but I can sea dem winning hear.

Cowboys 27 Bills 24










Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts

How many times in da Jags history have dey gone into Indianapolis expecting two win?

Jaguars 23 Colts 21











Denver Broncos @ Kansas City Chiefs

Tim Teblow ran a win las weak, but da Chiefs will not allow dis.

Chiefs 31 Broncos 16









Washington Redskins @ Miami Dolphins

If da Skins lose hear, pack it up until 2012. John Beck gets his first win ever, at the expense of his former team.

Redskins 20 Dolphins 17










Arizona Cardinals @ Philadelphia Eagles

Kevin Kolb prolly won't play hear two get back at da Eagles for trading him. But Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will.

Eagles 31 Cardinals 20











Houston Texans @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Houston kneads dis, and da Bucs are wildly inconsistent. Dat Houston runbning game pulls it out.

Texans 28 Buccaneers 17











Baltimore Ravens @ Seattle Seahawks

Da Ravens tend two play down too competition and dey are goin to have a let down after a big win las weak. I tink it will be a close one hear.

Ravens 27 Seahawks 24












Detroit Lions @ Chicago Bears

Da Bears are cummin off a big win las Monday, but da Lions know how two play dere division rivals.Det beet Chicago by 11 just over a month ago and sweep dis series to try to stay within reach of da Packers.

Lions 26 Bears 24









New York Giants @ San Francisco 49ers

I see a old school battle hear, where defense rules most of da game. I like da Niners defense much more den da Jints, but I tink Eli Manning is just a bit better den Alex Smith.

Giants 17 49ers 16








New England Patriots @ New York Jets

Dese are too flaewed teems dat we all expected more from. Flip a coin hear, da winner gets to sit on top of da AFC East. I'm going with the better defense.

Jets 23 Patriots 21









Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers

Da Pack just has two loose once. Right? Dis iz a game they very well could, but I tink dey isn't reddy yet.

Packers 34 Vikings 23






Power Rankings

1. Green Bay Packers
2. San Francisco 49ers
3. Atlanta Falcons
4. Detroit Lions
5. Baltimore Ravens
6. New York Giants
7. Houston Texans
8. New York Jets
9. New Orleans Saints
10. Pittsburgh Steelers
11. Chicago Bears
12. Cinncinatti Bengals
13. New England Patriots
14. Buffalo Bills
15. Philadephia Eagles
16. Dallas Cowboys
17. Tennessee Titans
18. Kansas City Chiefs
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
20. San Diego Chargers
21. Seattle Seahawks
22. Oakland Raiders
23. Carolina Panthers
24. Jacksonville Jaguars
25. Minnesota Vikings
26. Washington Redskins
27. Arizona Cardinals
28. Saint Louis Rams
29. Denver Broncos
30. Cleveland Browns
31. Miami Dolphins
32. Indianapolis Colts


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NFL 2011 Draft : 10 Quarterbacks Not Named Cam Newton

Christian Ponder


He has been schooled well, but is not as athletic as some were once led to believe.

Though he throws a decent short ball, going deep is an issue. He has a tendency to force passes and gets flustered easily.

He works hard and has leadership abilities, but Ponder has durability concerns. Gets compared often to Chad Pennington, so he could be a starter somewhere in his career.

While some see him an early selection in the second round, he could last into the third.






Ricky Stanzi


Scouts like Stanzi's experience, size, athleticism, toughness and maturity.

He also has an acceptable arm for the game today. What scares some is his decision making and deep ball.

Stanzi has the makings of a long-time backup in this league. He has leadership qualities and is a hard worker, so it isn't smart to count him out as a starter.

He could go as early as the second round, even ahead of Ryan Mallett, but it seems he is bound for the third round.








Colin Kaepernick


He is big, athletic and has a gun for an arm.

He has been shooting up some draft boards, passing Ryan Mallett on a few.

While experienced, he might have to learn another position because he has no history in a pro-set offense and is a project. Besides footwork, his long delivery will need work. This issues could drop him to the fourth round.

His size could make for an intriguing wide receiver prospect, but the team that does draft him will need to be patient no matter what position they put him at.










Andy Dalton


Dalton is very smart, a hard worker and has adequate bulk, arm strength and experience. He is a tough guy capable of placing the ball in the right spots.

He isn't very tall or terribly athletic, and he needs work on his mechanics as well. Some wonder how he will do in a pro-style set.

He has the makings of a solid backup, because he understands game management. He would work best in a West Coast system where the dink/dunk pass is king. A probable third or fourth round selection.










Pat Devlin


Devlin is trying to go the Joe Flacco route. Flacco, the Baltimore Ravens starting quarterback, earned his job as soon as he was drafted in the first round of the 2008 draft.

Devlin might go in the third round, but some think he is a fifth-rounder. He has the arm, but needs work on his accuracy, foot placement and is inexperienced. He needs a lot of work in the film room, and has a tendency to gamble.

Though it is possible he can start one day, he looks like an NFL backup right now.








Scott Tolzien


His strength is his accuracy and sound decision making. Tolzien does not have a big arm, but it is passable by the NFL standards of today.

Though he has decent mobility, Tolzien is not a great athlete. One thing he did often in college was win, losing just five times in 26 contests.

At 24 years old, he's older than most rookies. He needs to hit the weight room as well.

There is a chance he gets drafted as high as the sixth round, but it appears he will be, at best, a backup if he makes a team.








Taylor Potts


Destined to be drafted late, Potts has a strong arm and above average accuracy. He needs work on learning the pro-set, and his footwork needs refinement. Potts needs to get stronger.

He will get looked at late in the draft and is a project worth developing for a few years. It is possible he finds himself starting one day in the league, but he can be a serviceable reserve at the least.









Greg McElroy


He will not blow you away in physical measurables, but he balances his short comings there with supreme intellect and a winner's touch. He waited his turn in college, but started winning right away when called on.

He does not have a big arm, but he has great touch and accuracy. He will work as hard as he can to max out his potential, but there is a chance he goes undrafted.

His dad works for the Dallas Cowboys, ask the Garretts how that works, who are in the market for a youngster to eventually replace primary backup Jon Kitna. He might remind Jason Garrett of himself as a player.

Yet do not bet against this kid. He could make a roster and have an impact one day.










T.J. Yates


He is a good leader who had the benefit of being coached by men with NFL experience while in college. He makes good decisions and has good size.

Yates does not have a very strong arm, but he is accurate. Though he has durability concerns, he earned a starting job as a sophomore and has experience. His team's blocking wasn't always stout, so Yates learned early how to stand tall in a crumbling pocket with defenders in his face.

While he isn't a great athlete, he can be a sound backup for years and could get drafted as early as the fifth round.










Josh Portis


Portis has been in the college football system since 2005, went to Maryland University after transferring from Florida University.

After rarely throwing the ball for the Terps, used for his running ability, he left for California of Pennsylvania in 2009 and performed well.

He is the cousin of NFL running back Clinton Portis. He runs well, but is bereft with character issues.

A project who most likely will not get drafted and may have to make a team playing another position.







Others To Consider


Tyrod Taylor
He works very hard at his game and is a terrific leader with an excellent throwing arm.

Taylor is also mobile, able to make plays with both his arm and legs. Yet he is just 6'1", considered too short to play NFL quarterback. He needs major work on fundamentals and tends to lock onto his primary receiver, leaving Taylor often prone to mental errors.

He may get drafted in the last round, but a position switch appears likely.





Mitch Mustain
Mustain might get drafted late, despite sitting on the bench most of his collegiate career.

After going to Arkansas University as a highly touted player, he got off to a good start before clashing with the coaches and heading to USC.

He is not big, but his arm strength is above average and he showed promising skills as a freshman. Some scouts think he is the next Matt Cassell.





Chris Dieker
Missed five games in his senior year due to a broken collarbone. Three-year starter who showed improvement before his injury. He has good size, arm strength and experience, starting three years.

He tends to force passes, which led to him being benched at times. His footwork and release needs work and he is considered a project. Though it is doubtful that Dieker gets drafted, his combination of size and arm strength will warrant a tryout.





Jeff Van Camp
He is a good athlete but needs a ton of work on all of his mechanics. Most likely goes undrafted and gets invited to a training camp somewhere.





Nate Enderle
He started as a freshman and some scouts like his size as well.

He needs work on mechanics, but has shown the ability to stand tall in a collapsing pocket. He performed poorly at the combine, but was good at the East-West Shrine Game.

He was a victim of a ton of dropped passes in college so his numbers aren't a true indication. Enderle looks like he could be a solid reserve, yet perhaps more in the right system.





Jerrod Johnson
He has the size and is mobile. Needs work on his release and footwork, and appears to have a fragile ego. Will quit fast on a play and himself. Lost his starting job in his senior year.

Johnson will get a roster camp invite if undrafted. A project.





Ryan Colburn
Learned under guru Pat Hill. He has good leadership qualities but has been erratic with his accuracy. Didn't throw a lot of interceptions in college, but has questionable arm strength.

Would probably work best in a West Coast system. Probably will go undrafted and get invited to a camp.