NFL Awards Watch: Josh Allen Takes Early MVP Lead; Jahan Dotson, Sauce Gardner Top Rookies
Welcome to NFL Awards Watch, my weekly column that will take a look at the five major awards handed out in the NFL: MVP; Offensive and Defensive Player Of The Year; and Offensive and Defensive Rookie Of The Year.
NFL AWARDS WATCH: PREDICTIONS FOR 2022 MVP, PLAYERS OF THE YEAR, TOP ROOKIES
Week 1 is complete and we have a first glance at the the frontrunners for each award. Let’s go:
Commanders WR Jahan Dotson, left, and Bills quarterback Josh Allen. (Getty Images)
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
QB JOSH ALLEN, Buffalo Bills.
He torched a talented Rams secondary last Thursday: 26-of-31 for 297 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs. Whether on the move or stepping up in the pocket, Allen made big throws look effortless.
The bombs to Gabe Davis and Stefon Diggs stood out against Los Angeles, but don’t overlook the skill it takes to get the ball to Zach Moss for an 8-yard gain while avoiding Bobby Wagner’s tight coverage. That’s a small example of a routine play for Allen that only a handful of quarterbacks in this league can make.
QB Josh Allen (17) of the Buffalo Bills drops back to pass during the first quarter of the NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on September 08, 2022, in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Two More To Consider
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
WR AJ BROWN, Philadelphia Eagles.
What a debut for Philly’s biggest offseason acquisition. Brown demanded a new contract in Tennessee and when the Titans decided they weren’t going to pay him $20 million-plus annually, the Eagles landed a difference maker.
‘Always Open’ AJ Brown put on a show against Detroit. He had 6 catches for 128 yards in the first half and finished with 10 catches for 155 yards. His debut was the most receiving yards for any player making his first Eagles start.
A.J. Brown (11) of the Philadelphia Eagles plays against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 11, 2022, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Two More To Consider
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
FS MINKAH FITZPATRICK, Pittsburgh Steelers.
Man is this guy fun to watch. He lines up everywhere and makes impactful plays to change outcomes. His pick-6 to start the day put the Steelers up 7-0.
He also blocked Evan McPherson’s game-winning PAT with 2 seconds left. The Steelers went on to win in overtime. Fitzpatrick made 14 tackles in the game and was the difference in a road win for the Steelers over their division opponent.
Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) of the Pittsburgh Steelers returns an interception for a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on September 11, 2022, in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Two More To Consider
OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
WR JAHAN DOTSON, Washington Commanders.
He caught the game-winning pass from Carson Wentz with 1:20 left in regulation. Dotson finished his rookie debut with two touchdown receptions among his three catches.
Jahan Dotson (1) of the Washington Commanders looks on before the preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 27, 2022, in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Two More To Consider
DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
CB SAUCE GARDNER, New York Jets
I know, I know. The Jets were blown out by the Ravens. But they have a bonafide talent in Gardner, who allowed just one catch in the game and added a pass breakup in the process.
Sauce Gardner (1) of the New York Jets looks on against the Baltimore Ravens at MetLife Stadium on September 11, 2022, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Two More To Consider
Jonathan Hutton is the host of OutKick 360 and will write weekly about NFL awards.
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