We stand exactly half way. We know what we have left behind, but we have no idea what to expect in the next nine weeks of the first season with 18 dates on the schedule and 17 games per team.
And when it comes to the NFL, the only predictable thing is that it will be unpredictable.
Yes, I know it’s cliché, but just take a look at what happened on Sunday. When some favorites came in their prime, the stars lined up and they all lost. The Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills top the list, but the Rams also disappointed at home to the Titans (without Derrick Henry).
They are all contenders and I have not lost faith in any of them, but I think these defeats did sow some doubts.
That, however, will be the subject of another article, because what brings us here today is the traditional box cut that we do year after year in AS to recognize the taste of the first half of the orange.
Let’s not wait any longer and let’s get to it:
COACH OF THE YEAR
Kliff kingsbury
To consolidate this recognition, the coach Kingsbury and his Cardinals won Sunday in San Francisco Without Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins, read your two most important elements on offense.
With a record of 8-1, Arizona ranks first in the NFC seed, thanks to a spectacular Murray campaign and a defense that is second best in third down (31.73%) and third in allowing an average of 17.2 points per game.
OFFENSIVE OF THE YEAR
Cooper kupp
The Rams wide receiver is experiencing his best season in the NFL and is by far the best at his position so far in the 2021 campaign.
After 9 weeks, Kupp leads in targets (103), receptions (74), yards (1,019) and touchdowns (10).
Kupp is the happiest with the signing of Matthew Stafford to the Rams roster and, in his fifth year in the league, is on the fly for his first All-Pro pick.
DEFENSIVE OF THE YEAR
Tj watt
Although Myles Garrett has half a catch more than Watt (11.5), the Steelers linebacker has again proven to be the most versatile defender in the NFL.
To the sacks we must add 11 tackles for loss of yards, 18 hits to the quarterbacks, four passes defended, three forced fumbles and two recovered.
Watt is the leader of a defense that, little by little, recovers its identity as one of the most dominant in the league.
OFFENSIVE ROOKIE
Ja’Marr Chase
Joe Burrow’s best friend he immediately shook off a bad preseason and in the middle of the season this wide receiver has put on his own show in Cincinnati.
Chase is third in the league with 835 yards, he averages 18.98 yards per catch and is fourth with seven touchdowns.
Mac Jones, Patriots quarterback, has to be in the conversation, but it is Chase who so far stands out for this recognition.
DEFENSIVE ROOKIE
Micah Parsons
The Giants’ Azeez Ojulari has a half more sack (5.5 vs. 5), but Parsons has recorded 14 hits to passers, against only 7 of Ojulari.
The Dallas Cowboys linebacker also has, 10 tackles for loss of yards and two passes defended.
Parsons, Nevertheless, must be more disciplined and constant, because there are plays in which it is noticeable that he does not give the maximum effort.
EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR
Steve Keim
The Cardinals general manager obtained in free agency several veterans who have contributed immediately, such as JJ Watt, AJ Green, James Conner and even quarterback Colt McCoy, who successfully replaced Murray in Sunday’s San Francisco win.
Without having the media focus of other teams, Keim has built one of the best rosters of the NFC, but the real goal will be met with a ticket back to the Super Bowl.
Mvp
Tom brady
The “Benjamin Button” of the NFL is second in attempts (343), completions (231), yards (2,650) and leads the league with his 25 touchdown passes.
The Buccaneers champions quarterback said during training camp that, with better chemistry between him and his wide receivers, it could top what it did in 2020.
With the return of the injured Antonio Brown and Rob Gronkowski, Brady’s arsenal will be complete and that’s bad news for the rest of the league.
Let the second half of the season begin!
I can not wait.
We would love to give thanks to the author of this short article for this outstanding material
Tom Brady and the Cardinals, among the best in the middle of the season