Be on the lookout for Manning this season
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
He missed a full season in 2011 due to multiple injuries and surgeries. He is third all-time in passing yards, passing touchdowns and passing completions. He is an 11-time Pro Bowler and an NFL MVP four times before. His name is Peyton Manning. I firmly believe this man will come out this season with the Broncos the NFL’s top player. He needs to prove everyone wrong, including his former team the Colts. I thought this before Sunday night’s game between Manning’s Broncos and the Steelers, and that just reinforced my opinion.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Even though Manning will have an MVP-year, Aaron Rodgers will put up the biggest offensive numbers for the Packers. He’s got weapons ranging from Jordy Nelson to Greg Jennings to James Jones to Jermichael Finley to Randall Cobb to Donald Driver. Rodgers had over 4,600 yards passing last season and could even have 5,500 this year – a feat that no one in history has done. Also, in 2011, the reigning MVP in Rodgers had 39 more touchdowns than interceptions (45-6).
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Mario Williams left the Texans in free agency to sign with the Bills, and the move was one of the smartest career choices he could have made. The former No. 1 overall pick could have a huge year as a true defensive end in the Bills’ 4-3 defensive scheme – his natural position in the first place. He will be part of one of the best defensive lines in the NFL, playing across from fellow end Mark Anderson, who racked up 11 sacks in 2011. Williams only had five sacks in five games last season after a torn pectoral muscle sidelined him for most of the season.
OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
On Sunday, we saw why Robert Griffin III was drafted second overall by the Redskins. He exploded for 320 yards passing, two TD and no interceptions in his NFL debut. RGIII is the real deal with the running ability of a Mike Vick and the passing strength of a Philip Rivers. Expect this kid to live up to all the hype and help the Redskins contend for a division crown in the NFC East as well.
DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Dont’a Hightower, the Patriots’ newbie from Alabama, recovered a fumble and scored a touchdown all in one play in his NFL debut on Sunday. In addition, he is a great player coming from one great team to another – his confidence and energy will be kept high all season long. As the starting linebacker for the Patriots, he will record a majority of the tackles along with a few sacks, interceptions and fumbles, both forced and recovered, just as we saw on Sunday.
COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Peyton Manning, of course. No one can do a better job than the league MVP, so it’s basically no-competition.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Andy Reid lost his son, Garrett, this summer and his job is at risk if the Eagles don’t make the playoffs. After missing the postseason last season, I expect the Bird Gang to go far with Reid motivated in a way that no other head coach will be. He will do well this season with a stacked team and motivation to keep his job.
