Since the NFL season has come to an end, one of the biggest topics of conversation is, as always, the NFL awards. We took a look at the key awards and gave our thoughts on the experts’ calls.

MVP

Actual Winner — Aaron Rodgers (QB, Green Bay Packers)

Jack’s pick — Aaron Rodgers (QB, Green Bay Packers)

Prior to this season, Aaron Rodgers’ placement in NFL history had been cemented among the greats. It seemed as though all of his excellent football had been behind him, and he was on his way to receiving a golden jacket from the hallowed halls of Canton. However, this season Aaron Rodgers proved all of his doubters wrong. Rodgers’ 2020 campaign was one of the greatest quarterback seasons ever produced. 

His stats appear like video game numbers. He threw for a staggering 48 touchdowns (within the top five single season record and led the league) and only five interceptions, all while having a completion percentage over 70%, a passer rating over 120 (led the league), and a QBR over 84 (led the league). On top of this seemingly impossible statistical output, he led his team to a 13-3 record and an appearance in the NFC championship game, where he lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion, the Buccaneers. 

Despite the season not ending in a championship, Rodgers was able to once again show his absolute dominance as a passer. Now earning his third MVP, he has solidified his place in history as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. It’s safe to say that number 12 is still that bad man.

Offensive Player of the Year

Actual Winner — Derrick Henry (RB, Tennessee Titans)

Adam’s Pick — Derrick Henry (RB, Tennessee Titans)

Personally, this was a no-brainer. Derrick Henry clearly deserves to win this award, although there could be arguments for a few players- Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (who broke the NFL record for receiving yards at his position), Bills QB Josh Allen, and Packers receiver Davante Adams — who had remarkable seasons as well. 

However, the two–time rushing leader made his mark this season, becoming the eight member of the 2,000 rushing yard club as he led his team to a division–winning 11-5 record. Henry has been improving ever since he came into the league in 2016. Last season was when he really established himself as one of the best in the game, leading the NFL in rushing yards with 1,540 to go along with 16 touchdowns. Expectations for this season were sky high for the 6’3, 240lb back, yet he was still able to exceed them with his ridiculous campaign of 2,027 yards and 17 TDs.

The threat of Derrick Henry in the backfield forces defenses to gameplan strictly for him, and while he is still able to run all over them, he also allows for many play action fakes and designed QB runs, which can really open up the offense. Ever since Derek emerged, the Titans have been one of the best teams in the NFL. Being able to make that large of an impact from the running back position is truly remarkable, and for that reason, he is my 2020 OPOY.

Defensive Player of the Year

Actual Winner — Aaron Donald (DE/DT, Los Angeles Rams)

Jack’s Pick — T.J. Watt (OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers)

Aaron Donald is quite possibly the most dominant defensive player of the last decade. That said, he was undeserving of the award this year. While Donald did post a stellar campaign of 13.5 sacks and 45 total tackles, all while anchoring a top 5 defense, it does not amount to the production of Watt this past year. 

Not only did Watt lead the league in sacks with 15.0, but he also beat Donald in almost every important pass rush category. He had more TFL, more QB hits, and more total tackles with the addition of an interception. These stats are impressive alone, but contextually they are mind boggling. Watt did all of this while having to drop back in coverage around 35% of the time. This means that not only did he beat Darnold nearly every statistical category, he did that without pass rushing for the entirety of the game. 

In my mind, if you have such incredible production, all while battling an injury and playing one less game, it should not be a question who deserves such a heralded award. Unfortunately- voters went with the safe veteran pick, rather than the dominant new kid on the block. However, I have a feeling that T.J. Watt will be back next season to prove everyone wrong.

Offensive Rookie of the Year

Actual Winner — Justin Herbert (QB, Los Angeles Chargers)

Adam’s pick — Justin Jefferson (WR, Minnesota Vikings)

There is a lot to unpack when debating the 2020 Offensive Rookie of the Year, as it offers two of the best rookie campaigns in the history of the league. 

On one hand, you have Chargers QB Justin Herbert who set the record of 31 passing TDs by a rookie and had the second most passing yards of any rookie QB in history (only former Colts QB Andrew Luck had more). On the other hand, you have Vikings rookie receiver Justin Jefferson who set the record for the most receiving yards in NFL history by a rookie.

I believe that Jefferson should have won the award. I think he has the slight edge over Herbert because of his ability to do more with less. Herbert was able to start from week one after QB Tyrod Taylor had his lung punctured during a painkilling injection. Herbert took advantage of his opportunity with the help of superstar receiver Keenan Allen, but the Chargers’ struggles as a team really allowed him to boost his stats. LA was always losing in games, which forced them to be constantly passing. Herbert reflects this by having the fourth most passing attempts in the league and mediocre completion percentage. 

In contrast, Jefferson came in as the wide receiver #2 behind Adam Theilen, and had to earn his way to a larger role. Additionally, superstar running back Dalvin Cook soaked up a large amount of touches, making it even more difficult for Jefferson. With all of this, Jefferson was still able to produce 1,400 yards (fourth most in the NFL) on 88 receptions and emerge as a top tier receiver in the league. He clearly passes the eye test as well and for that reason, he is my selection for the 2020 OROY.

Defensive Rookie of the Year

Actual Winner — Chase Young (DE, Washington Football Team)

Jack’s Pick — Chase Young (DE, Washington Football Team)

Chase Young came into the 2020 draft with some of the highest expectations ever bestowed upon a defensive rookie. He was drafted second by the broken Washington franchise, and was seen to be a savior after a decade of mediocrity. Safe to say, Young lived up to those lofty expectations. 

He anchored a formidable defense, all the way to a playoff berth. This incredible feat is even more even more so when you take into account his team’s lack of offensive firepower, and his head coach’s struggles with cancer. Despite all of these odds, he managed to post a rookie campaign which saw him tally 7.5 sacks, 12 QB hits, and three fumble recoveries. On top of these already impressive accomplishments, he also made the pro bowl. 

Needless to say, Young has an incredible future ahead of him. If he can build upon this season, and continue his dominance, there is no predicting the amount of greatness ahead.

Comeback Player of the Year

Actual Winner — Alex Smith (QB, Washington Football Team)

Adam’s Pick — Alex Smith (QB, Washington Football Team)

After what Alex Smith went through, there was no doubt in anyone’s mind who this award was going to. On Nov. 18, 2018, Alex Smith suffered a devastating injury that shattered his leg into two pieces. It seemed like a sure thing that Smith’s career was over, as he was already 34 years old and left fighting for his life. 

While the injury itself was not necessarily life threatening, he contracted sepsis, a condition that occurs when the body’s response to an infection damages its tissues. Alex missed the whole 2019 season but was determined to play again. After battling and rehabbing, he was actually able to make a full recovery and came into the season as a third string QB for Washington. However, starting quarterback- Dwayne Haskins- was disappointing to say the least, and Washington decided they needed a change. They turned to former Panthers QB Kyle Allen, but when he suffered an injury, it was Smith’s time to shine. 

Alex Smith`s return to the field marked one of the greatest comeback stories in the history of the sport- and inspired fans everywhere. There was no debate this award was going to anyone else, and the only thing that should be considered is renaming this award in his honor.