It is NFL awards season, and on Wednesday, the league introduced the finalists for all main league efficiency awards. There weren’t many surprises within the nominations themselves, but it surely gave us an opportunity to lock in our picks for the 2022 season.
The methodology behind it was fairly easy. We ranked the finalists and the bottom common was our winner. Within the occasion {that a} participant who didn’t place first general obtained a primary place vote, we now have listed it right here.
Most Beneficial Participant: Patrick Mahomes, QB – Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
2. Jalen Hurts (1), QB – Philadelphia Eagles
3. Joe Burrow, QB – Cincinnati Bengals
4. Josh Allen, QB – Buffalo Payments
5. Justin Jefferson, WR – Minnesota Vikings
Patrick Mahomes is a staple in terms of MVP finalists, however 2022 could have been his biggest achievement. It was a 12 months of change within the Chiefs’ offense and it was broadly believed he would take a giant step again after Tyreek Hill was bought to the Dolphins.
As a substitute, Mahomes put the group on its again, throwing for a career-high 5,250 yards and including 41 passing yards. This group is one sport away from the Tremendous Bowl, and with out Mahomes they might be one of many worst groups within the AFC. It is so easy.
Offensive Participant of the 12 months: Justin Jefferson, WR – Minnesota Vikings
2. Patrick Mahomes (1), QB – Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
3. Jalen Hurts, QB – Philadelphia Eagles
4. Tyreek Hill, WR – Miami Dolphins
There could also be a debate about who’s the perfect receiver within the NFL proper now, however there should not be. Justin Jefferson has established himself from the second he entered the league, not solely as a top-flight move catcher, but additionally as a doubtlessly legendary receiver.
On paper, there was no motive for Jefferson to have the season he did. An enormous step again from Adam Thielen meant there was extra defensive focus than ever on Jefferson, and he nonetheless completed with a ridiculous 128 receptions and 1,809 receiving yards. There isn’t any doubt that your complete Viking offensive was fueled by Jefferson, and he stays one of many few receivers within the league who can enhance his QB.
Defender of the 12 months: Nick Bosa, DE – San Francisco 49ers
2. Micah Parsons, LB – Dallas Cowboys
3. Chris Jones, DT – Kansas Metropolis Bosses
There’s actually no incorrect reply right here in 2022, however Nick Bosa is forward of the curve together with his 18.5 sacks, however extra importantly, everlasting disruptions will likely be in place all through the season.
Historically, while you see gamers previous the 15.0 threshold, their lengthy matches will likely be punctuated by 2-3 video games the place they performed horrible offensive traces. The identical can’t be stated for Bos, who merely generated unnatural stress by enjoying double-teams for a lot of 2022. Nobody has been extra disruptive or influential on protection than Nick Bosa, and he’s the first motive the 49ers are battling for the NFC Championship.
Coach of the 12 months: Doug Pederson, Jacksonville Jaguars
2. Brian Daboll (1), New York Giants
3. Kyle Shanahan (1), San Francisco 49ers
It can’t be overstated how a lot Doug Pederson has modified the fortunes of his group in 2022. It was a company caught within the basement of the NFL after a disastrous interval beneath City Meyer, and somewhat little bit of enchancment could be sufficient to please followers.
As a substitute, Pederson introduced this group to its full potential, turned Trevor Lawrence into the participant we had been hoping for, and led Jacksonville to a playoff victory. These had been enormous elements worthy of the title of Coach of the 12 months.
Offensive Rookie of the 12 months: Garrett Wilson, WR – New York Jets
2. Brock Purdy (1), QB – San Francisco 49ers
3. Kenneth Walker III, RB – Seattle Seahawks
That is one other a type of awards the place there actually is not any incorrect reply. All three gamers had been phenomenal, particularly Brock Purdy, who will in all probability get plenty of voter love. However when the mud settled, most of our employees selected Garrett Wilson.
The receiving Jets struggled with Zach Wilson’s terrifying QB play in addition to inconsistent offensive weaponry round him, ending with 1,103 receiving yards. Wilson needed to do lots with the toddler and excelled. An awesome season to benefit from in 2023.
Defensive Participant of the 12 months: Sauce Gardner, CB – New York Jets
2. Aidan Hutchinson, DE – Detroit Lions
3. Tariq Woolen, CB – Seattle Seahawks
This could possibly be the primary prize of the season. Not solely was Sauce Gardner the perfect defensive rookie of 2022, he was additionally among the finest defensemen in your complete NFL. Dominating from the full-back place is tough, however early returns depart Gardner trying like Darrelle Revis in his prime, with a uncommon body for a defensive-back together with his ball-playing prowess.
Gardner made life hell for the opposing group’s quarterbacks and fully took away half of the sector. An awesome season that deserves this award.
Returning Participant of the 12 months: Geno Smith, QB – Seattle Seahawks
2. Christian McCaffrey, RB – San Francisco 49ers
3. Saquon Barkley, RB – New York Giants
That is one other award with a transparent winner. I do not wish to take something away from McCaffrey or Barkley recovering from damage and poor performances, however Geno Smith was so removed from considering that lots of people did not even know he was nonetheless within the league.
When Geno was named quarterback for the Seahawks, changing Russell Wilson, it was broadly anticipated that this group would struggle for the quarterback. As a substitute, Geno broke Russ’s passing information and went all the best way to the playoffs. It has been a monumental season for Smith, who has capitalized on years of being ruined by the previous Jets regime and now, at 32, is discovering a brand new lease on life within the NFL.