2008 WalterFootball.com NFL Awards

Ninth Annual Edition

M.V.P. - Kurt Warner, QB, Cardinals.

The case can be made for Peyton Manning, but the fact remains that Kurt Warner took the Arizona Cardinals to the Super Bowl. No one, not even the biggest Cardinals homer on the planet, could have expected that to happen at the beginning of the year, let alone at the end of the regular season. Kurt Warner finished second in passing yardage (4,583) and third in touchdowns (30). In the playoffs, Warner compiled 1,147 yards, 11 touchdowns and just three picks in four games. More importantly, he was the veteran leader that commanded Arizona to three consecutive upsets and a Super Bowl appearance.

Past Winners of this Award:
2007: Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
2006: LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers
2005: Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
2004: Michael Vick, QB, Falcons
2003: Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
2002: Michael Vick, QB, Falcons
2001: Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
2000: Donovan McNabb, QB, Eagles


Quarterback of the Year - Drew Brees, Saints.

Drew Brees came just one long completion short of Dan Marino's single-season passing record. Brees totaled 5,069 yards, 34 touchdowns and 17 interceptions on the year. Those numbers are even more remarkable when you consider that Marques Colston missed a good amount of time.

Past Winners of this Award:
2007: Tom Brady, Patriots
2006: Drew Brees, Saints
2005: Carson Palmer, Bengals
2004: Peyton Manning, Colts
2003: Peyton Manning, Colts
2002: Rich Gannon, Raiders
2001: Kurt Warner, Rams
2000: Peyton Manning, Colts


Running Back of the Year - DeAngelo Williams, Panthers.

Anyone who had DeAngelo Williams in their fantasy championship was victorious unless they also started Ken Dorsey, Ricky Williams, Todd Pinkston, Freddie Mitchell and Itula Mili. Williams, who registered 1,515 rushing yards and a league-leading 18 rushing touchdowns in 2008, was unstoppable down the stretch. Williams eclipsed the 100-yard rushing barrier in seven of his final nine games. And in the last five weeks of the season, Williams scored 11 touchdowns.

Past Winners of this Award:
2007: Brian Westbrook, Eagles
2006: LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers
2005: Larry Johnson, Chiefs
2004: Curtis Martin, Jets
2003: LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers
2002: Priest Holmes, Chiefs
2001: Marshall Faulk, Rams
2000: Marshall Faulk, Rams


Wide Receiver of the Year - Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals.

Is there any doubt? After what Larry Fitzgerald did in the playoffs, I don't think anyone can question that he's the top wideout in the game right now. In case you somehow missed it, Fitzgerald had 546 yards and seven touchdowns in the postseason, breaking Jerry Rice's records.

Past Winners of this Award:
2007: Randy Moss, Patriots
2006: Marvin Harrison, Colts
2005: Steve Smith, Panthers
2004: Muhsin Muhammad, Panthers
2003: Randy Moss, Vikings
2002: Marvin Harrison, Colts
2001: Terrell Owens, 49ers
2000: Randy Moss, Vikings


Tight End of the Year - Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs.

Some said he was done. All Tony Gonzalez needed was a legitimate NFL quarterback. Gonzalez finished fifth in the NFL in receptions (96) and 12th in receiving yardage (1,058) - the highest tight end in both categories. Gonzalez's numbers increased when Tyler Thigpen was put into the starting lineup - try 75 catches, 863 and eight scores in the final 11 games.

Past Winners of this Award:
2007: Jason Witten, Cowboys
2006: Antonio Gates, Chargers
2005: Antonio Gates, Chargers
2004: Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs
2003: Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs
2002: Todd Heap, Ravens
2001: Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs
2000: Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs


Offensive Tackle of the Year - Michael Roos, Titans.

Talk about money well spent. Prior to the 2008 NFL season, the Titans made Michael Roos the third-highest paid left tackle in the NFL (Orlando Pace, Walter Jones). Roos went on and gave up just one sack this year. Oh, and I think Tennessee's rushing attack was pretty good too.

Past Winners of this Award:
2007: Matt Light, Patriots
2006: Tarik Glenn, Colts
2005: Walter Jones, Seahawks
2004: Walter Jones, Seahawks
2003: Jonathan Ogden, Ravens
2002: Willie Roaf, Chiefs
2001: Orlando Pace, Rams
2000: Jonathan Ogden, Ravens


Offensive Guard of the Year - Kris Dielman, Chargers.

I don't think this one is close. Kris Dielman is a beast in run- and pass-blocking. Dielman didn't allow a single sack this year, and in the one game he missed, LaDainian Tomlinson rushed for a laughable 24 yards on 14 carries against Atlanta's woeful ground defense.

Past Winners of this Award:
2007: Steve Hutchinson, Vikings
2006: Steve Hutchinson, Vikings
2005: Alan Faneca, Steelers
2004: Alan Faneca, Steelers
2003: Will Shields, Chiefs
2002: Ron Stone, 49ers
2001: Alan Faneca, Steelers
2000: Randall McDaniel, Buccaneers


Center of the Year - Kevin Mawae, Titans.

You saw what happened to the Titans when Kevin Mawae missed the playoff game against the Ravens. They were unfocused, unorganized and turnover-happy. Mawae didn't allow a sack all year and opened up massive running lanes for Chris Johnson and LenDale White.

Past Winners of this Award:
2007: Jeff Saturday, Colts
2006: Olin Kreutz, Bears
2005: Jeff Hartings, Steelers
2004: Kevin Mawae, Jets
2003: Kevin Mawae, Jets
2002: Kevin Mawae, Jets
2001: Olin Kreutz, Bears
2000: Tom Nalen, Broncos




Defensive End of the Year - Jared Allen, Vikings.

See, Kansas City... this is why you don't trade the best player at his position when he's only 26 years old. Seriously, what sort of drugs was Carl Peterson taking when he made that deal? Allen notched 14.5 sacks, three passes broken up and two safeties in his new home.

Past Winners of this Award:
2007: Jared Allen, Chiefs
2006: Jason Taylor, Dolphins
2005: Dwight Freeney, Colts
2004: Julius Peppers, Panthers
2003: Michael Strahan, Giants
2002: Jason Taylor, Dolphins
2001: Michael Strahan, Giants
2000: Jason Taylor, Dolphins


Defensive Tackle of the Year - Albert Haynesworth, Titans.

A dominant force and a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year, Albert "The Hamstring" Haynesworth wins this award for the second year in a row. Haynesworth led all defensive tackles with 8.5 sacks even though he missed two games.

Past Winners of this Award:
2007: Albert Haynesworth, Titans
2006: Tommie Harris, Bears
2005: Casey Hampton, Steelers
2004: Jamal Williams, Chargers
2003: Kris Jenkins, Panthers
2002: Warren Sapp, Buccaneers
2001: Warren Sapp, Buccaneers
2000: Warren Sapp, Buccaneers


Outside Linebacker of the Year - DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys.

DeMarcus Ware and Joey Porter were neck-and-neck for most of the season in terms of leading the league in sacks. At one point, it looked like Porter was going to break Michael Strahan's single-season sack record, but his old legs gave in. Ware captured the lead with 20 sacks. That gives him 53.5 sacks in just four years! He's unblockable.

Past Winners of this Award:
2007: DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys
2006: Shawne Merriman, Chargers
2005: Cato June, Colts
2004: Takeo Spikes, Bills
2003: Keith Bulluck, Titans
2002: Derrick Brooks, Buccaneers
2001: Jamir Miller, Browns
2000: Derrick Brooks, Buccaneers


Inside Linebacker of the Year - Ray Lewis, Ravens.

Call me crazy, but Ray Lewis is good. How good? It may cost the Ravens $11.3 million to keep him for one year. That figure would give Lewis the most lucrative salary for any inside linebacker in NFL history - at the age of 34!

Past Winners of this Award:
2007: Lofa Tatupu, Seahawks
2006: Brian Urlacher, Bears
2005: Brian Urlacher, Bears
2004: Tedy Bruschi, Patriots
2003: Ray Lewis, Ravens
2002: Zach Thomas, Dolphins
2001: Brian Urlacher, Bears
2000: Ray Lewis, Ravens


Cornerback of the Year - Nnamdi Asomugha, Raiders.

I'm stealing this from my 2009 NFL Free Agents rankings: Nnamdi Asomugha had fantasy owners benching star receivers in their leagues. He's unquestionably the top corner in the NFL right now.

Past Winners of this Award:
2007: Antonio Cromartie, Chargers
2006: Champ Bailey, Broncos
2005: Champ Bailey, Broncos
2004: Nate Clements, Bills
2003: Ty Law, Patriots
2002: Bobby Taylor, Eagles
2001: Aeneas Williams, Rams
2000: Samari Rolle, Titans


Free Safety of the Year - Ed Reed, Ravens.

Don't throw toward Ed Reed! Why? Because he'll score a touchdown! Including the postseason, Reed had a whopping 12 interceptions, three of which were returned for scores.

Past Winners of this Award:
2006: Sean Taylor, Redskins
2006: Brian Dawkins, Eagles
2005: Bob Sanders, Colts
2004: Brian Dawkins, Eagles
2003: Roy Williams, Cowboys
2002: Rod Woodson, Raiders
2001: Brian Dawkins, Eagles
2000: Darren Sharper, Packers


Strong Safety of the Year - Troy Polamalu, Steelers.

The other safety you want to completely stay away from. Including Pittsburgh's Super Bowl run, Troy Polamalu registered eight interceptions and a touchdown.

Past Winners of this Award:
2007: Bob Sanders, Colts
2006: Troy Polamalu, Steelers
2005: Troy Polamalu, Steelers
2004: Ed Reed, Ravens
2003: Ed Reed, Ravens
2002: Lance Schulters, Titans
2001: Mike Brown, Bears
2000: John Lynch, Buccaneers


Kicker of the Year - Jason Hanson, Lions.

The poor Lions were 0-16, but Jason Hanson deserves a shout out. He didn't have many chances to kick field goals - he was 21-of-22 - but he was an amazing 8-for-8 from 50-plus! He even hit a 56-yarder at 38 years of age! It's also worth noting that Hanson's only miss was blocked.

Past Winners of this Award:
2007: Rob Bironas, Titans
2006: Adam Vinatieri, Colts
2005: Neil Rackers, Cardinals
2004: Adam Vinatieri, Patriots
2003: Mike Vanderjagt, Colts
2002: Adam Vinatieri, Patriots
2001: Adam Vinatieri, Patriots
2000: Matt Stover, Ravens


Special Teams Player of the Year - Johnnie Lee Higgins, Raiders.

Maybe Al Davis is on to something with his "Best 40 Time" draft strategy. Johnnie Lee Higgins returned three punts for touchdowns and maintained a solid 23.4-yard average on kickoffs. Higgins also had just one fumble on his 80 return attempts.

Past Winners of this Award:
2007: Devin Hester, Bears
2006: Devin Hester, Bears
2005: Jerome Mathis, Texans
2004: Eddie Drummond, Lions
2003: Dante Hall, Chiefs
2002: Michael Lewis, Saints
2001: Troy Brown, Patriots
2000: Derrick Mason, Titans


Offensive Rookie of the Year - Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens.

Ryan Clady was the sleeper pick, but the Broncos capsized and didn't make the playoffs. Matt Ryan was the popular pick because of his stats (3,440 yards, 16 TDs, 11 INTs), but he really struggled down the stretch. Including the playoff loss to the Cardinals, Ryan tossed five touchdowns and seven picks in his final five games. He also fumbled five times (twice the rest of the season).

Joe Flacco was the right pick. He finished with just 500 yards and two touchdowns less than Ryan, but led the Ravens deep into the playoffs. Going into the AFC Championship, Flacco had thrown 14 touchdowns and just five interceptions after losing to the Colts in Week 6.

Past Winners of this Award:
2007: Joe Thomas, OT, Browns
2006: Vince Young, QB, Titans
2005: Cadillac Williams, RB, Buccaneers
2004: Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers
2003: Anquan Boldin, WR, Cardinals
2002: Clinton Portis, RB, Broncos
2001: Anthony Thomas, RB, Bears
2000: Jamal Lewis, RB, Ravens


Defensive Rookie of the Year - Jerod Mayo, ILB, Patriots.

Considered a reach by some when the Patriots took him 10th in the 2008 NFL Draft (myself included), Jerod Mayo proved his doubters wrong by thriving right away in New England's veteran-friendly defense.

Past Winners of this Award:
2007: Patrick Willis, ILB, 49ers
2006: Mark Anderson, DE, Bears
2005: Lofa Tatupu, ILB, Seahawks
2004: Jonathan Vilma, ILB, Jets
2003: Terence Newman, CB, Cowboys
2002: Dwight Freeney, DE, Colts
2001: Kendrell Bell, ILB, Steelers
2000: Corey Simon, DT, Eagles


Special Teams Rookie of the Year - Clifton Smith, Buccaneers.

I had Leodis McKelvin here for about eight hours until ultimate Bucs homer Matt McGuire (just kidding about the homer part... maybe) reminded me that Clifton Smith was a rookie. Prior to the 2008 season, Tampa Bay had just one kickoff return in franchise history. Smith matched that total and added in a punt return as well.

Past Winners of this Award:
2007: Yamon Figurs, Ravens
2006: Devin Hester, Bears
2005: Jerome Mathis, Texans
2004: Wes Welker, Dolphins
2003: Bethel Johnson, Patriots
2002: Beer Man Lewis, Saints
2001: Steve Smith, Panthers
2000: Ron Dixon, Giants




Most Improved Offensive Player - DeAngelo Williams, RB, Panthers.

When the Panthers drafted Jonathan Stewart with the 13th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, many assumed that the Panthers gave up on DeAngelo Williams. Who could blame them? Williams was worthless in his first two seasons as a pro. Well, he used the Stewart selection as motivation to become one of the top running backs in the league.

Past Winners of this Award:
2007: Wes Welker, WR, Patriots
2006: Ladell Betts, RB, Redskins
2005: Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers
2004: Drew Brees, QB, Chargers
2003: Steve Smith, WR, Panthers
2002: Koren Robinson, WR, Seahawks
2001: Troy Brown, WR, Patriots
2000: Jeff Garcia, QB, 49ers


Most Improved Defensive Player - James Harrison, DE/OLB, Steelers.

For years, James Harrison was known as a solid pass-rush specialist who shined on Monday Night Football. In 2008, Harrison became an unstoppable force, registering 16 sacks, 101 tackles, three passes broken up, an interception and a safety.

Past Winners of this Award:
2007: Mario Williams, DE, Texans
2006: Nnamdi Asomugha, CB, Raiders
2005: Derrick Burgess, DE, Raiders
2004: James Hall, DE, Lions
2003: Brian Russell, S, Vikings
2002: Keith Bulluck, OLB, Titans
2001: Ahmed Plummer, CB, 49ers
2000: La'Roi Glover, DT, Saints


M.U.P. (Most Unimportant Player) - Plaxico Burress, Giants.

We never got to see who the protagonist was in Duck Hunt, but I'm willing to bet that it wasn't Plaxico Burress. After all, there's no option to shoot yourself in the leg. When Burress pulled off one of the dumbest moves in NFL history (though some of the guys on this list have something to say about that), the Giants' season was lost. Prior to the Burress shooting/arrest, they were 10-1. They finished the year 2-4, including a horrendous 23-11 loss to the Eagles in the Doggone Playoff.

Past Winners of this Award:
2007: Michael Vick, Falcons
2006: Randy Moss, Raiders
2005: Terrell Owens, Eagles
2004: Kevan Barlow, 49ers
2003: Keyshawn Johnson, Buccaneers
2002: Barrett Robbins, Raiders
2001: Randy Moss, Vikings
2000: Deion Sanders, Redskins


Comeback Player of the Year - Kerry Collins, QB, Titans.

I don't get how Chad Pennington won this award. Sure, the Jets discarded him for Brett Favre, but he became a somewhat hot commodity upon his release. Meanwhile, no one ever thought Kerry Collins would ever start an NFL game again, let alone lead a team to the best record in the NFL.

Past Winners of this Award:
2007: Todd Collins, QB, Redskins
2006: Jeff Garcia, QB, Eagles
2005: Brad Johnson, QB, Vikings
2004: Mark Fields, LB, Panthers
2003: Marcus Robinson, WR, Ravens
2002: Tommy Maddox, QB, Steelers
2001: Garrison Hearst, RB, 49ers


Blue Collar Player of the Year - Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers.

A lot of guys were candidates for this award, including Derrick Mason, who left a December game against the Cowboys about half a dozen times with a shoulder injury, yet refused to give up. However, what Ben Roethlisberger did in the Super Bowl despite playing through two rib fractures was really remarkable. Roethlisberger had to endure hit after hit behind Pittsburgh's awful offensive line all year, yet he always seemed to make enough plays to win each game.

Past Winners of this Award:
2007: Fred Taylor, RB, Jaguars
2006: Lorenzo Neal, FB, Chargers
2005: Tedy Bruschi, ILB, Patriots
2004: Troy Brown, WR/CB, Patriots
2003: Brett Favre, QB, Packers
2002: Hines Ward, WR, Steelers
2001: Hines Ward, WR, Steelers


Perseverance Award - Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers.

All Aaron Rodgers had done in his NFL career is wait. In the 2005 NFL Draft, nearly every team passed on him before the Packers snagged him at the bottom of the first round. In his first few NFL seasons, Rodgers had to watch Brett Favre from the sidelines. Rodgers finally got his turn amid tons of controversy. The media and fans were ready to chastise Rodgers for every mistake he made. Well, he didn't make many. He compiled 4,038 yards, 28 touchdowns and 13 picks as a first-year starter. I'd say the Packers made the right move in letting Favre go.

Past Winners of this Award:
2007: Eli Manning, QB, Giants
2006: Peyton Manning, QB, Colts
2005: Cincinnati Bengals Fans
2004: John Fox, head coach, Panthers
2003: Donovan McNabb, QB, Eagles


Celebration Award - Santonio Holmes, Steelers.

Of all the touchdown celebrations this year, Santonio Holmes' was best. Why? After scoring the winning touchdown in the Super Bowl, Holmes used the ball as a prop. The officials thought the celebration was so creative that they chose not to penalize Pittsburgh 15 yards. And people say the Steelers got all the calls in the Super Bowl. Psssh.

Past Winners of this Award:
2007: Jerry Jones, Cowboys (rapture)
2006: None (fine for celebrations)
2005: Chad Johnson, Bengals (many)
2004: Terrell Owens, Eagles (many)
2003: Joe Horn, Saints (cell phone)
2002: Terrell Owens, 49ers (Sharpee)


"I Don't Belong in the NFL" Award - Detroit Lions.

Here was my dilemma: I could go with Matt Millen, the worst general manager in NFL history, who somehow found a way to put together the first 0-16 team in NFL history. I could go with one of the new front-office people, who said that Greg Lloyd is still in the league and that Michael Bennett is Atlanta's star running back. I could go with Rod Marinelli's daughter, who has an awful taste in coordinators. Or, I could go with William Darth Clay Sidious Ford, who wouldn't fire Millen until his own son called him out. And then it came to me - why not give this award to the team that couldn't even cover +9 despite owning a 17-0 lead? I nearly had a seizure that Sunday. Sage Rosenchoker was a very close second, by the way.

Past Winners of this Award:
2007: Randy Mueller, Dolphins
2006: Charley Casserly, Texans
2005: Charley Casserly, Texans
2004: John York, 49ers
2003: Steve Spurrier, Redskins
2002: Marty Mornhinweg, Lions
2001: Daniel Snyder, Redskins


Scrub of the Year - Carson Palmer, QB, Bengals.

This award is for the player who was the Scrub of the Week the most times on my NFL Power Rankings page. Only one player was given the award twice, and that was Carson Palmer. Palmer didn't play much in 2008 because of an injured elbow, but he was ineffective when under center. Palmer was the Scrub of the Week the first two Sundays of the year. In those two games, he was a combined 25-of-51 for 228 yards, no touchdowns, three interceptions and a fumble.

Past Winners of this Award:
2007: Brian Griese, QB, Bears
2006: Rex Grossman, QB, Bears
2005: J.P. Losman, QB, Bills; Vinny Testaverde, QB, Jets
2004: Mike Martz, head coach, Rams
2003: Joey Harrington, QB, Lions; Jeff Garcia, QB, 49ers; Drew Bledsoe, QB, Bills
2002: Randy Moss, WR, Vikings
2001: Elvis Grbac, QB, Ravens




Stat-Stuffer of the Year - Brian Westbrook, RB, Eagles.

This award is for the player who was listed first in his position the most times on my NFL Power Rankings page. A bunch of players were listed first three times - Jay Cutler, Matt Cassel, Larry Fitzgerald, Drew Brees, Andre Johnson and Kurt Warner - but only one was listed first four times. Brian Westbrook was hurt down the stretch, so it's easy to forget how dominant he was when he was healthy.

Past Winners of this Award:
2007: Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
2006: LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers
2005: Larry Johnson, RB, Chiefs; LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers; Steve Smith, WR, Panthers
2004: Peyton Manning, QB, Colts
2003: Peyton Manning, QB, Colts
2002: Tom Brady, QB, Patriots; Priest Holmes, RB, Chiefs; Daunte Culpepper, QB, Vikings
2001: Marshall Faulk, RB, Rams


Coach of the Year - Bill Belichick, Patriots.

When Bernard Pollard knocked Tom Brady out for the season, everyone gave up on the Patriots. Tom Jackson even bet Chris Berman's job that New England wouldn't win the Super Bowl without Brady. Well, they didn't even get to the playoffs, but Belichick proved why he's the best coach in the NFL. He took a quarterback who hadn't started since high school, a myriad of mediocre running backs and an old, ineffective defense, and led them to an 11-5 record.

Past Winners of this Award:
2007: Bill Belichick, Patriots
2006: Bill Belichick, Patriots
2005: Lovie Smith, Bears
2004: Bill Cowher, Steelers
2003: Bill Parcells, Cowboys
2002: John Gruden, Buccaneers
2001: Bill Belichick, Patriots


Coordinator of the Year - Dick LeBeau, Steelers.

People are always amazed to hear Dick LeBeau's real age. He looks like he's 55-60, yet he's really 50 billion. Regardless, LeBeau coordinated one of the best defenses the NFL has seen since 2000. The Steelers surrendered 10 points or less eight times in 2008.

Past Winners of this Award:
2007: Steve Spagnulo, Giants
2006: Rob Ryan, Raiders
2005: Dick LeBeau, Steelers
2004: Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel, Patriots
2003: Jim Johnson, Eagles
2002: Monte Kiffin, Buccaneers
2001: Mike Mularkey, Steelers


WalterFootball.com Award (Best Player) - Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals.

Big-time players make big plays when it matters most, so it's only fitting that Larry Fitzgerald gets this award. Fitzgerald was unstoppable during Arizona's inexplicable postseason run. It didn't matter how many defenders were draped all over him - if Kurt Warner threw the ball Fitzgerald's direction, the monstrous wideout was going to catch it. Fitzgerald is the first receiver to ever win this award, but it's well-deserved after breaking all of Jerry Rice's postseason records.

Past Winners of this Award:
2007: Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
2006: LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers
2005: Larry Johnson, RB. Chiefs
2004: Ed Reed, S, Ravens
2003: LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers
2002: Michael Vick, QB, Falcons
2001: Marshall Faulk, RB, Rams
2000: Marshall Faulk, RB, Rams




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