Staff Writers
Most Valuable Player: Carson Wentz
This season the most controversial honor is the most prestigious. The MVP it has come down to a few players but no one has run away as the clear front runner for the award. The awards top contenders are quarterbacks Tom Brady, a perennial contender for the award, and Russell Wilson, wide receiver Antonio Brown and running back Todd Gurley, and second year quarterback Carson Wentz. Tom Brady had a good season, but with all the offensive weapons and his history of great seasons, he is not deserving of this award. Russell Wilson had an above average season with an offense that had a horrendous running game. He led his team in running and almost got the Seahawks into the playoffs with the most unbalanced offense in the NFL. Todd Gurley put up spectacular numbers but so did everyone on the Rams as a direct result to new play caller Sean McVay. Antonio Brown got into the discussion later on into the season and he really started to take off and look like a near lock to win the award before missing the last couple regular season games because of a calf injury. Just like Antonio Brown, Carson Wentz was a lock to be named the MVP before he tore his ACL in week 14 causing him also to miss the end of the season. Wentz’s season was so spectacular he even threw a touchdown pass on his torn ACL highlighting a win in Los Angeles against the Rams. Carson Wentz threw for 33 touchdowns one less than league leader Wilson who played two more games. Even with Carson’s 2017 campaign cut short by an injury he still deserves to be named the Most Valuable Player because of his importance to the 13-3 Eagles who look lost without him.
Offensive Player of the year: Todd Gurley
Todd Gurley was an absolute stud this year, easily running his way statistically being the best running back this year. It can also be argued he was the best player in the league. Although he does not deserve MVP because Carson Wentz meant more to his team, Todd Gurley should win this award. Rushing for over 1,300 yards along with over 700 yards receiving and his nineteen total touchdowns it was a very successful year for Gurley. The Rams offense went through Gurley as he excelled under Sean Mcvay’s play calls and different formations. Also, a candidate for comeback player of the year Todd Gurley has once again solidified himself as one of the best young running backs in the game.
Defensive Player of the year: Calais Campbell
Lately, this award has been given out primarily to J.J Watt or all star pass rushers Von Miller or Khalil Mack. Watt’s season was cut short due to injury and other guys had down years. But all year Calais Campbell has been somewhat under the radar after signing a four-year, 60 million dollar deal about to turn 31 this deal was troubling. Finishing with 14.5 sacks five more than his career high he is second in the entire league. Surrounded by many pro bowlers on a historic defense Calais has been awarded his third trip this year. With others receiving more credit and making the flashy plays like new accusations A.J Bouye and Marcell Dareus and second-year player, Jalen Ramsey, and third-year player Dante Fowler Jr. Calais Campbell has been more than reliable.
Coach of the year: Sean McVay
First year coach along with being the youngest coach in the league Sean McVay had a spectacular season. Sean McVay’s coaching career started early at age 22 when he found a job with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a coaching assistant. His early experience and upbringings in a football family has allowed him to be the youngest coach in NFL history. McVay was somewhat of an experience for the Rams considering the previous five youngest head coaches all finished with losing records. Taking over a horrendous team after terrible seasons from numerous coaches, the latest being Jeff Fisher, second-year player Todd Gurley, and rookie, first overall selection in the draft, Jared Goff it would be a challenge. McVay never made excuses, kept his cool with the media, and let his teams play and their 11-5 record and third seed in the NFC show his impact.
