We have officially reached the three quarters mark of the NFL year, which means this is the time of the season when the so-called “experts” start evaluating their picks for MVPs and other stuff like that. And being the resident SG expert on all things sports, I am here to bring you the real awards for the NFL, not those pansy votes that come from a QB having the right amount of dimples.
Rookie of the Year
Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons’ improvement this year has not been solely because of Ryan. I mean all you have to do is look at Michael Turner, Roddy White and a vastly improved defense to be able to see that. But Ryan represented a change of the culture in Atlanta, the gigantic black mark that Michael Vick left on the franchise is being washed away quickly with every move towards the playoffs. Ryan is playing like a poised veteran, and his style is much akin to that of Ben Roethlisberger’s rookie campaign in 2004.
Runner-up: Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens
Defensive Player of the Year
Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers
McBournie, argue with me all you want over this pick, but look at the Steelers’ defense with an injured Polamalu in 2007, and a healthy one in 2008. He is the key to the defense, and shoots through an offensive line quicker than a bullet through Plaxico Burress’ leg. James Harrison should get a lot of consideration as well, but the Steelers are in every game because of their defense, and that should be credited to the guy with the freakish hair.
Runner-up: Mario Williams (not Lopez), Houston Texans
Coach of the Year
Lane Kiffin, Oakland Raiders
I am not even kidding when I say how much I respect the man for standing up to Skeletor Al Davis for all the world to see. Kiffin brought to the forefront of a national media, what many of us had speculated, but never really seen about a once-proud franchise. That it is a poorly run dictatorship that sadly will never change until Davis is dead. And the fact that Kiffin was willing to stick it to the sleezy old man by going for 70-yard field goals, show he has waaaaaaaaay bigger cajones than any of us could ever hope to.
Runner-up: Mike Smith, Atlanta Falcons
MVP
Eli Manning, New York Giants
It is amazing how much a year can change a guy, even a guy like Manning who seemed to be at best a career NFL backup. Super Bowl glory aside, Manning has guided his Giants through a myriad of storms and seems destined to repeat as an NFL champion quicker than brother Peyton can say “what’s in your wallet.”
Runner-up: Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons
Top five games you can bet on next week:
5. Baltimore Ravens over Washington Redskins
The Skins’ season seemed so promising until a Monday night meltdown against the Steelers. Now all Washington can hope to do is play spoiler as the NFC South has the two Wild Cards for the taking. But sadly they’re not spoiling anything in Baltimore. Ravens 33-13.
4. Miami Dolphins over Buffalo Bills
Everything you need to know about this game: JP Losman. Dolphins by a touchdown.
3. New York Giants over Philadelphia Eagles
Much like the Redskins, the Eagles are too far back too contend, and they’re too far back of the Giants, talent-wise, even without Burress. Giants 24-17.
2. Arizona Cardinals over St. Louis Rams
What better cure for a two-game losing streak than the Rams? Cardinals by 17.
1. Minnesota Vikings over Detroit Lions
DEFEATEDDEFEATEDDEFEATEDDEFEATEDDEFEATEDDEFEATEDDEFEATEDDEFEATEDDEFEATEDDEFEATED!!!!
Last Week: 4-1
The season: 35-25
SeriouslyPowerRankings
5. Carolina Panthers (9-3)
DeAngelo Williams, you have our attention.
4. Tampa Bay Bucs (9-3)
You thought they were nasty before? Cadillac’s baaaaaack.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3)
Eat it, Patriots.
2. Tennessee Titans (11-1)
That was almost as big a mismatch as watching Robert DeNiro on the same screen as Rocky and Bullwinkle.
1. New York Giants (11-1)
Come on and hit me with your best shot, fire awaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!