The Cardinals reach the midway point of their season Sunday in San Francisco, so I thought that this week I would share my midseason award winners for the Cardinals and NFL.
Cardinals Offensive MVP: Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Fitzgerald continues to be the Cardinals most important player. He is on pace for another 100 catch season, and over 1,000 yards. At 34 years old, Fitz may not be the same player he was during the Super Bowl run, but he still is one of the most productive and reliable players in the NFL at any position.
Others deserving consideration: Carson Palmer
Cardinals Defensive MVP: Patrick Peterson
Patrick Peterson is perhaps the premier shutdown corner in the NFL. He does such a good job taking away the opponents best receiver, it's as if the Cardinals are playing 11 on 10. Every year I feel like Peterson is having his best season.
Others deserving consideration: Chandler Jones, Tyvon Branch
Cardinals Most Improved Player: D.J. Humphries
While Humphries has played sparingly because of injury, he makes a major difference when he is on the field. Humphries has shown enough to lead me to believe he will be the Cardinals starting left tackle for many years to come, and one of the better LT's in the NFL.
Others deserving consideration: Troy Niklas, Andre Ellington
NFL MVP: Alex Smith
Alex Smith leads the NFL in passer rating and has yet to throw an interception this season. Plus, the Chiefs are tied for the best record in the AFC. Kansas City drafted Patrick Mahomes to be its eventual starting quarterback, but Smith has held him off by playing the best football of his career.
Others deserving consideration: Tom Brady, Carson Wentz, Russell Wilson, Le'Veon Bell
Best team(s): Philadelphia Eagles/New England Patriots
Behind the play of Carson Wentz and a solid defense, the Eagles are the best team in the NFL. However, losing their starting left tackle Jason Peters will make it difficult for Philadelphia to win the Super Bowl. As long as Tom Brady is playing at this level, the Patriots will always be my favorite to win the Super Bowl. Brady is having another MVP season, and the Pats have the best offense in the league.
Others deserving consideration: Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers
Rookie(s) of the Year: Marshon Lattimore/Kareem Hunt/Deshaun Watson
Hunt, a 3rd round pick from Toledo, got off to such a strong start that he deserves to share this award. However, Hunt hasn't scored a touchdown in the last five games. Houston Quarterback DeShaun Watson has been a huge surprise. No one, including Houston, could've seen this coming in his rookie season. He was averaging 300 yards passing over his last five games with 18 touchdowns, and it's a shame he won't win the year-long rookie of the year honor now that he has torn his ACL and is out for the season.. Marshon Lattimore has almost single handedly turned around the Saints defense. New Orleans has won five in a row and is no longer just an offensive team.
