NFL Midseason Award Predictions

 

As we approach the midway point of the 2022 NFL season, it's time to make some midseason award predictions! So far, it looks we got some great award races for the MVP and Rookie of the Year (both Offensive and Defensive) awards among others. 

I made my offseason award predictions back in July, so it will definitely be interesting to see if any of my projections are on pace to come true. 

My following predictions will be made in this order:

- Coach of the Year

- Offensive Rookie of the Year

- Defensive Rookie of the Year

- Comeback Player of the Year

- Offensive Player of the Year

- Defensive Player of the Year

- MVP

Coach of the Year: Brian Daboll, New York Giants

After helping Josh Allen develop into a elite quarterback as the Bills offensive coordinator, Brian Daboll took the New York Giants' head coaching job. Most people (including myself) predicted that the Giants would be one of the worst teams in the league. Instead, Daboll's squad has gotten off to a surprise 6-2 start (the best start to a season for the Giants since 2012). The G-Men have gotten solid play from quarterback Daniel Jones (career high 3.0 touchdown to interception ratio), elite performances from a healthy Saquon Barkley (779 rushing yards, 2nd in NFL), and Daboll's hire of defensive coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale has payed huge dividends (19.6 points allowed per game, tied for 7th in NFL). The Giants still have games to play against the 6-2 Cowboys, undefeated Eagles (twice), and 7-1 Vikings among others, so there's no guarantee that they will continue their high level of play. But regardless, Daboll has done a marvelous job, as the Giants are currently on track to make their first postseason appearance since 2016.

Other candidates: Nick Sirianni, Philadelphia Eagles, Kevin O'Connell, Minnesota Vikings, Pete Carroll, Seattle Seahawks

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks

  Walker didn't get his first career start until Week 6. But he's been absolutely electric for the Seahawks this year. Walker has rushed for 570 yards on 5.1 yards per attempt, while also scoring 7 touchdowns. He's really found a nose for the end zone, as he's scored at least one touchdown in every game over the last five weeks. With 4.3 speed, and battering ram power, Walker is the ultimate balanced running back. And his amazing play to start his career is a huge reason why the Seahawks are 6-3 and sit in first place in the NFC West.

Other candidates: Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints, Breece Hall, New York Jets, Dameon Pierce, Houston Texans

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Tariq Woolen, Seattle Seahawks

A fifth-round pick out of UTSA (University of Texas at San Antonio), Tariq Woolen is the second Seahawk to appear on this list.  The rookie has not only been one of the best rookies in the league, but he's also been one of the best defensive players in the league, period. In his first nine games of his career, Woolen has tailed 8 pass deflections, 4 interceptions, and one pick-six. He's also given up just 278 yards on 316 coverage snaps while holding opposing quarterbacks to a lowly 50.2 passer rating when targeting him. At 6'4, 210 pounds with 4.2 speed, he's a nightmare player to go up against every Sunday. Even if he doesn't take home this award, it's not a stretch to say that Woolen is already a top ten cornerback in the league. He's got a very bright future ahead of him as a cornerstone on this young Seahawks team.

Other candidates: Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, New York Jets, Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions, Jaquon Brisker, Chicago Bears 

Comeback Player of the Year: Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks

Yet another Seattle Seahawk to appear on this list. This NFL season has been very unpredictable. But Geno Smith turning into a top five-caliber quarterback has been the biggest surprise so far. Smith has thrown for 2,199 yards (6th among all QBs), while being tied for 6th in touchdown passes (15).  And to be honest, it's not just about the stats with Geno. The eye test speaks for itself, as Smith has been making incredible throws all over the field all year. He's also done an amazing job of being a leader for this surprisingly good Seahawks team, best exemplified when he confronted Tyler Lockett after a dropped touchdown catch. The Seahawks should 100% offer him a contract extension after this season.

Other candidates: Saquon Barkley, New York Giants, Za'Darius Smith, Minnesota Vikings, Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans

Offensive Player of the Year: Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins

Many assumed that Tyreek Hill's production would fall off in his first season with the Miami Dolphins and without Patrick Mahomes. But instead, all he's done is put up crazy numbers every week. Combine Hill's game-breaking speed with new head coach Mike McDaniel's prolific offensive scheme, and you got a heck of a task as a defence to try and stop it. Hill currently ranks first in receptions (76), and receiving yards (1,104). The man they call "The Cheetah" is currently on pace for 2,085 receiving yards, which would be the most ever recorded in a single season. The guy is simply unstoppable, and even if he doesn't reach 2,000 yards, I don't think he will slow down considerably anytime soon.

Other candidates: Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles, Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills, Saquon Barkley, New York Giants

Defensive Player of the Year: Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys

After recording 13 sacks and winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year award last year, many wondered how Micah Parsons would do for an encore in 2022. Well, how does 8 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and a 90.8 PFF grade sound? The Cowboys superstar has performed even better than he did last year, as he is currently on pace to notch 16 sacks. He also currently ranks first in pass rush win rate, winning his matchup on the edge 32% of the time. The addition of linebacker Anthony Barr on the Dallas defence has great for Parsons, as it has freed him up to primarily rush the passer on the edge, a scary sight for every offence around the NFL. Parsons serves as the catalyst for a ferocious unit that leads the league in sacks (33.0), and ranks fourth in pass defence (178.4 passing yards allowed per game).

Other candidates: Matthew Judon, New England Patriots, Za'Darius Smith, Minnesota Vikings, Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers

MVP: Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles

Out of all the predictions that I made, this one was definitely the toughest. But ultimately, I decided to go with Hurts. The young quarterback has taken a monster third year leap as the Eagles franchise QB, leading his squad to a 8-0 start while scoring 18 total touchdowns and ranking in the top ten in both completion percentage (68.2) and yards per passing attempt (8.5). Don't get me wrong, the addition of A.J. Brown, receiving great contributions from DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert, and having an elite offensive line has definitely aided this Eagles team. But Hurts is the engine that makes this offence and this team function. His steep improvement in 2022 has been nothing short of extraordinary, and his stellar play is the biggest reason why the Eagles are currently the favourites to represent the NFC in Super Bowl LVII.

Other candidates: Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills, Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs, Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins