We are roughly 25% though the 2023 NFL Season. After four weeks we’ve seen some exciting games, witnessed some unfortunate injuries, and watched some record-breaking performances. We still have 14 more weeks to go in the season, and I’m sure we will be provided with some great games via the “script writers”. Let’s just hope the storyline with Taylor Swift fades out. Nobody who enjoys football asked for nor do they enjoy it. For now, let’s get into some “Way Too Early” Awards.
MVP: Brock Purdy (QB), San Francisco 49ers
The second year QB from Iowa State is putting up some pretty ridiculous numbers for someone that’s only in his second year, being drafted last, and coming off an elbow injury. All this combined, Brock should be asking for a better contract ASAP. Purdy has completed 81 of 112 passing attempts for 1,019 yards, five TDs and ZERO interceptions. Only starters Josh Doubs and CJ Stroud have not thrown an INT yet. Oh, and he’s also rushed for two TDs. Brock leads the league in QBR at 84.5 with a Passer Rating of 115. Yep, he’s Purdy good. Honorable Mentions: Tua Tagovailoa (QB) Miami Dolphins, and Patrick Mahomes (QB) Kansas City Chiefs
Coach of the Year: Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions
Campbell and the Lions currently sit atop the NFC North with a 3-1 record after beating division rivals, Green Bay Packers. Detroit also beat the reigning Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs in KC during week one and defeated the Atlanta Flacons in Detroit during week three. Their only loss came in overtime to the Seahawks; a game they could have won to be sitting at 4-0 on the season. Needless to say, they have a great shot at winning the division and an even better chance at making the playoffs. Honorable Mentions: Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Kyle Shanahan of the 49ers
Comeback Player of the Year: Tua Tagovailoa (QB), Miami Dolphins
I’m not sure if Tua is eligible for this award seeing as how he played in 13 games last year, but at this point he deserves it. Tua is leading the league in passing yards with 1,306, he’s tied for second in TDs with 9, and he’s second in both QBR and Passer Rating. Oh, and he also led the Dolphins offense to an insane 70-20 victory of the Denver Broncos. Honorable Mentions: Matthew Stafford (QB) LA Rams, and Lamar Jackson (QB), Baltimore Ravens.
Offensive Player of the Year: Christian McCaffrey (RB), San Francisco 49ers
CMC has been putting on a clinic for running backs this year. He currently leads the league in carries (80), rushing yards (459) and is tied for first in rushing TDs with six. McCaffrey also has 18 receptions for 141 yards and a receiving TD. He also doesn’t have any turnovers while he’s been averaging 5.7 yards per carry. The dynamic duo of McCaffrey and Purdy have led the 49ers to a smooth 4-0 record. Honorable Mentions: Justin Jefferson (WR), Minnesota Vikings, and Tyreek Hill (WR), Miami Dolphins.
Defensive Player of the Year: Jesse Bates III (S), Atlanta Falcons
Bates has been doing everything he can to help his team to win football games. He’s tied for 25th in the NFL for Total Tackles with 32, tied for 1st with three INTs, tied for second with two forced fumbles, has three passes defended and one tackle for a loss. Jesse Bates III is the real deal, and Cincinnati sure is missing him these days. Honorable Mentions: Khalil Mack (LB) LA Chargers, Zaire Franklin (LB) Indianapolis Colts
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Puka Nakua (WR), LA Rams
Nakua has broken just about every record that a rookie WR can break in the first four games of his career. Puka is leading the league in receptions with 39 and is second only to Justin Jefferson in receiving yards with 501. Nakua has only one TD this year but seeing as how he’s leading the league in targets and is third in Yards After the Catch, he should be increasing that number nicely as the season goes on. Honorable Mentions: CJ Stroud (QB) Texans, Bijon Robinson (RB) Falcons, De’von Achane (RB), Dolphins
Defensive Rookie of the Year : Brian Branch (S), Detroit Lions
Branch came out of the gates fast in Week One, picking off Patrick Mahomes and taking it to the house. Since then, he is tied for second in Total Tackles for rookies and he leads them in passes deflected with four. Branch is a terrific open-filed tackler, as 21 of his 25 tackles are solo tackles. Honorable Mentions: Henry To’oto’o (LB), Houston Texans, Christian Izien (S), Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jalen Carter (DT), Philadelphia Eagles, Devon Witherspoon (CB), Seattle Seahawks.
After Week Nine, we will be doing our mid-season awards! Subscribe to get updates so you don’t miss a thing! Thanks for the “read”!
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