By Bob Bonett
Plenty of criticism has been given to my recent crowning of Derek Anderson as the NFL’s Most Valuable Player. So, I figured with all of this publicity, it’s time to prognosticate further, and predict each one of the league’s award winners.
Remember, not only will each one of these predictions be correct; they come with a full guarantee.
Without further ado, the picks:
NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE
MVP: Brett Favre, Packers
I know I grill him constantly. I think he’s been overrated over his career, he chucks the ball and doesn’t throw it, he has single-handedly set back Aaron Rodgers countless years-the list goes on.
That being said, what he has done with a seemingly average team this year has been remarkable. Ryan Grant looks phenomenal in the offense; Greg Jennings is a premiere wide receiver; the Packers are actually 10-2.
Give this old gray beard some dap.
Rookie of the Year: Adrian Peterson, Vikings
Duh! The greatest draft pick in recent memory will one day surpass 2,000 yards rushing in a season, especially if the offensive line remains intact and the quarterback situation remains a big question mark.
If Minnesota makes the playoffs and wins a game, an argument could definitely be made to hand AP1 the MVP hardware.
Offensive Player of the Year: Brian Westbrook, Eagles
Calling Westbrook the NFC’s LaDainian Tomlinson is not an overstatement. Philly’s tailback has quickly turned into the next coming of Marshall Faulk, able to contribute mightily in both the passing and running games. Philadelphia will probably miss the postseason this year, but Westbrook will still manage to surpass 2,000 total yards of offense.
Defensive Player of the Year: Julian Pererson, Seahawks
Each week, I become more convinced that Seattle will challenge the Packers and Cowboys for a berth in the Super Bowl. While offensively it has been the Matt Hasselbeck show, Peterson has emerged as one if-if not the-best outside linebacker in the NFL.
Coach of the Year: Wade Phillips, Cowboys
Mike McCarthy has done wonders in Green Bay, but with the cards stacked against Phillips-people laughed at Jerry Jones for hiring the Buffalo Bills’ reject-Phillips has motivated the Cowboys, and more impressively Terrell Owens, to run away with one of the NFL’s toughest divisions.
Most Overrated Player: Donovan McNabb, Eagles
Everybody is tired of McNabb’s antics. He complains when his backup quarterbacks perform well, but, when he returns from his annual injury, he looks mediocre. It is time for the Eagles to rid themselves of the new holder of the NFL’s most-selfish award.
Most Underrated Player: Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks
Yes, his name is out there as a top-tier quarterback. Truth be told, though, while everybody has pointed to Shaun Alexander in the past as Seattle’s true offensive threat, Hasselbeck’s consistency at QB is clearly the reason for the Seahawks’ success, especially in the wake of an off-year for the Seattle running back.
One-Hit-Wonder: Jon Kitna, Lions
Next year, Kitna will not even sniff 4,000 yards. His big numbers are strictly a product of Mike Martz’s offense, and at this point next year, he may not have a starting job.
2008’s Bounce-Back Team: St. Louis Rams
With Marc Bulger and Steven Jackson healthy, and Tory Holy playing at 100 percent, (remember, Holt has had a nagging injury all season), St. Louis is one of the three best teams in the NFC.
2008’s MVP: Steven Jackson, Rams
His guarantee of 2,500 total yards of offense was derailed by injury after injury, but a healthy 2008 and a run deep into the playoffs with St. Louis will mean Jackson garners a much-deserved MVP.
AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE
MVP: Derek Anderson, Browns
Laugh all you want. Giggle yourself silly. Poke fun at me, and call Anderson a joke.
Look at the facts, though. Without Anderson at quarterback, are the Brownies actually looking at the playoffs? Are they even looking at a .500 season? Anderson’s improbable efforts are the sole reason Cleveland is a legitimate AFC contender this year. While he isn’t the most sexy candidate-no, I’m not alluding to Tom Brady-he is certainly the most deserved.
Rookie of the Year: Marshawn Lynch, Bills
Yes, Fred Edwards looked like a Pro Bowl back last week behind the Bills’ line. However, Lynch emerged from relative obscurity to power his way to what looks like a 1,000-yard season. Moreover, the Bills’ 6-6 record comes largely in part from his efforts-certainly not the quarterback carousel that is J.P. Losman and Trent Edwards.
Offensive Player of the Year: Randy Moss, Patriots
Either Moss or Brady will win the MVP, even though Anderson deserves it. One of the two Patriots deserve some sort of recognition, though. And while Brady has been brilliant behind center, Moss already has 17 touchdown receptions after his worst season as a professional.
Defensive Player of the Year: Antonio Cromartie, Chargers
Cromartie is another guy that won’t win the award, but may deserve it. A young cornerback in an up-and-coming Chargers’ defense, Cromartie already has eight interceptions, and always threatens to turn an interception into a pick-six.
Coach of the Year: Bill Belichick, Patriots
I’d love to give Romeo Crennel some hardware for what he has done in Cleveland. Much to the chagrin of Patriots-haters, though, any team that finishes the season 16-0 defies some pretty serious odds. And as much as everyone may hate to admit it, Belichick has been the mastermind behind the run.
Most Overrated Player: Larry Johnson, Chiefs
Johnson is not at fault for receiving this award. Kansas City’s play-calling, which drove a young running back into the ground with, well, too many carries, may have stymied what could have been a great professional career. Johnson is burnt out, and may never fully recover.
Most Underrated Player: Braylon Edwards, Browns
People are slow starting to hear about Anderson’s favorite target in Cleveland. The former Wolverine has had an incredible year-he’ll push 1500 yards receiving and 15 touchdowns-but all recognition goes to guys like Moss, Owens and Welker.
One-Hit-Wonder: Wes Welker, Patriots
Yes, he is a fantastic No. 3 wide receiver. However, next year, don’t expect so many linebackers to be assigned to Welker, meaning he won’t have the opportunity to even sniff 1,000 yards,
2008’s Bounce-Back Team: Baltimore Ravens
Get Ed Reed, Ray Lewis and Willis McGahee even a serviceable quarterback, and Baltimore finds themselves in the thick of the AFC playoff race.
2008’s MVP: LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers
Call it part of my crush San Diego, but next year, LT may even push 3,000 total yards of offense, while the SuperChargers move back to the top of the AFC.
Now, ladies and gentleman, the final picks of the semester:
(Home teams in CAPS)
BEST BET
Miami (+7)
GAME OF THE WEEK
NEW ENGLAND (-10.5)
J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS
Cleveland (-3.5)
THE REST
Chicago (+3)
Carolina (+10.5)
Dallas (-11)
PHILADELPHIA (-3)
GREEN BAY (-10)
San Diego (-1)
St. Louis (+6.5)
Tampa Bay (-3)
SEATTLE (-7)
Minnesota (-8.5)
DENVER (-6.5)
BALTIMORE (+9.5)
New Orleans (-4.5)
LAST WEEK: 8-8
SEASON: 93-81-11
BEST BET 6-6