Jonathan Hutton
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Welcome to NFL Awards Watch, my weekly column that will take a look at the five major awards handed out in the NFL: MVP; Offensive and Defensive Player Of The Year; and Offensive and Defensive Rookie Of The Year.
Week 1 is complete and we have a first glance at the the frontrunners for each award. Let’s go:
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
QB JOSH ALLEN, Buffalo Bills.
He torched a talented Rams secondary last Thursday: 26-of-31 for 297 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs. Whether on the move or stepping up in the pocket, Allen made big throws look effortless.
The bombs to Gabe Davis and Stefon Diggs stood out against Los Angeles, but don’t overlook the skill it takes to get the ball to Zach Moss for an 8-yard gain while avoiding Bobby Wagner’s tight coverage. That’s a small example of a routine play for Allen that only a handful of quarterbacks in this league can make.
Two More To Consider
- Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes. No Tyreek Hill, no problem for the former MVP. Mahomes was 30-of-39 for 360 yards and five touchdowns against the Cardinals. We now get Mahomes vs. Justin Herbert in primetime Thursday night. The Chargers should learn from Arizona it’s not smart to blitz KC’s QB.
- Ravens QB Lamar Jackson. What do you do after turning down a contract extension that includes $133 million guaranteed? Go show why you’re worth more than Deshaun Watson. Jackson was fantastic in Week 1 and it wasn’t due to running the ball. All 3 touchdown passes were on deep passes.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
WR AJ BROWN, Philadelphia Eagles.
What a debut for Philly’s biggest offseason acquisition. Brown demanded a new contract in Tennessee and when the Titans decided they weren’t going to pay him $20 million-plus annually, the Eagles landed a difference maker.
‘Always Open’ AJ Brown put on a show against Detroit. He had 6 catches for 128 yards in the first half and finished with 10 catches for 155 yards. His debut was the most receiving yards for any player making his first Eagles start.
Two More To Consider
- Giants RB Saquon Barkley is back, healthy and dynamic as ever. Barkley made a Titans defense known for being stout against the run look pedestrian, torching Tennessee for 194 yards from scrimmage. He was the best player on the field and led the Giants to the road upset.
- Vikings WR Justin Jefferson hauled in 6 catches for 158 yards and two touchdowns in the first half vs. Green Bay. He’d finish with a career-high 184 yards. New head coach Kevin O’Connell has to be thrilled with his top option.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
FS MINKAH FITZPATRICK, Pittsburgh Steelers.
Man is this guy fun to watch. He lines up everywhere and makes impactful plays to change outcomes. His pick-6 to start the day put the Steelers up 7-0.
He also blocked Evan McPherson’s game-winning PAT with 2 seconds left. The Steelers went on to win in overtime. Fitzpatrick made 14 tackles in the game and was the difference in a road win for the Steelers over their division opponent.
Two More To Consider
- Chargers OLB Khalil Mack sacked Raiders QB Derek Carr three times, all of which came in big moments of the game. He’s a proven difference maker, adding four QB hits and one forced fumble.
- Titans DT Jeffrey Simmons is a disruptive force and a terror for opposing interior offensive lineman. He was dominant Sunday against the Giants, totaling two sacks and a forced fumble on QB Daniel Jones.
OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
WR JAHAN DOTSON, Washington Commanders.
He caught the game-winning pass from Carson Wentz with 1:20 left in regulation. Dotson finished his rookie debut with two touchdown receptions among his three catches.
Two More To Consider
- Falcons WR Drake London
- Titans WR Kyle Phillips
DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
CB SAUCE GARDNER, New York Jets
I know, I know. The Jets were blown out by the Ravens. But they have a bonafide talent in Gardner, who allowed just one catch in the game and added a pass breakup in the process.
Two More To Consider
- Texans CB Derek Stingley, Jr.
- Chiefs DE George Karlaftis
Jonathan Hutton is the host of OutKick 360 and will write weekly about NFL awards.
Follow Hutton on Twitter and email him here.
