We can’t agree on much as a society. But it’s about time we all decide that postseason performances weigh into sports awards. Isn’t it awkward when any player in any sport wins MVP after failing in the playoffs?
There are no sad trombones and no red carpets here at Go Long Honors.
On the cusp of Super Bowl LVIII, let’s hand out the hardware.
TYLER DUNNE
MVP
Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City: No force of nature like him in the sport. After dominating so many playoff games at Arrowhead, Mahomes added another chapter to his growing legacy by upsetting Buffalo and Baltimore on the road. He won a Super Bowl on one good leg last season. He’ll win another this year.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco: In his seventh season, McCaffrey averaged a career-high 5.4 yards per carry. Both explosive ‘round the corner and tough between the tackles, he’s the most dynamic weapon going. His 260 scrimmage yards and four scores in narrow playoff wins over Green Bay and Detroit give McCaffrey the edge over Tyreek Hill.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
T.J. Watt, OLB, Pittsburgh: Led NFL in sacks (19.0), with another four forced fumbles, eight pass breakups and 48 solo stops. The single most relentless player in the sport.
OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston: His game has been a perfect fit with OC Bobby Slowik, who’ll return with the Texans in 2024. Don’t be surprised if Stroud has the Texans in the AFC title hunt next season.
DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Will Anderson Jr, OLB, Houston: Had 22 quarterback hits and seven sacks as a rookie. The Texans were widely skewered for giving up so much to draft Anderson at No. 3 overall. But he already has the look of a cornerstone in DeMeco Ryans’ defense, and the class of edge rushers in 2024 is noticeably weaker.
COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay: From the Browns to the Panthers to the Rams to the Buccaneers, the former No. 1 overall pick appeared cooked. Now, he’s about to become a very rich man. Mayfield has always been a leader any team should covet.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Andy Reid, Kansas City: Not only is Reid the quiet force behind Mahomes’ GOAT ascent, but he managed to zap this entire team back to life when all seemed lost on Christmas Day. He deserves credit for making the necessary adjustments on offense and, big picture, keeping the defending champs motivated when they had every reason to check out.
ASSISTANT COACH OF THE YEAR
Ben Johnson, OC, Detroit: No unit is as synchronized and as multiple as the Lions’ offense. They can both bludgeon up front and kill you in the pass game. Teams will line up for his services again next winter.
BOB McGINN
MVP
Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City: No one doubted the Chiefs more than me this year. Mahomes was the one that made me look like a dunderhead. For much of the season he was bereft of wide receivers, and the tackles were shaky throughout. But down the stretch and into the playoffs, Mahomes utilized his arm, his underrated legs and his will to where now the Chiefs appear almost invincible.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco: I’ve never forgotten McCaffrey’s performance running routes and catches passes at the combine. It was extraordinary. He’s one of the more complete backs in NFL history.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Maxx Crosby, DE, Las Vegas: The guy was irrepressible. Big talent, big heart. Menacing as a pass rusher and powerful at the point of attack. The pride of little old Eastern Michigan University.
OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams: It’s almost too close to call between Nacua, the eighth player drafted by GM Les Snead in April (at the bottom of the fifth round), and tight end Sam LaPorta, the Lions’ early second-round pick. Flipped a coin and it came up Nacua.
DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Devon Witherspoon, CB, Seattle: The Lions were primed to draft Witherspoon at No. 6 when the Seahawks took him at No. 5 with the pick acquired in the Russell Wilson trade. Despite missing three games, he still was voted to the Pro Bowl. As advertised, he was sticky in coverage and forceful against the run. His team-oriented enthusiasm will be a joy to watch as his career unfolds.
COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Joe Flacco, QB, Cleveland: The Browns had been consigned to the dumpster when they signed Flacco to their practice squad on Nov. 20. He started three weeks later and, against all odds, the 40-year-old delivered a playoff berth to an injury-hammered squad. Viva la Flacco!
COACH OF THE YEAR
Dan Campbell, Detroit: He has the authenticity of Bum Phillips, the charisma of Bill Parcells and the common sense of Bud Grant. Coaches and players want to stay and win in Detroit largely because of him.
ASSISTANT COACH OF THE YEAR
Joe Cullen, DL, Kansas City: Other than Chris Jones, the Chiefs’ defensive front is just a collection of guys. For the group to lead the league in sacks was a tribute to Cullen, long regarded as one the NFL’s foremost teachers of fundamental line play.
JIM MONOS
MVP
Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City: How do they compete without him?
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami: All time match-up nightmare. Need weather to stop him.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Chris Jones, DL, Kansas City: Makes game-changing plays in the biggest moments.
OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Sam LaPorta, TE, Detroit: Do not see a weakness in his game.
DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Kobie Turner, DT, L.A. Rams: I have a weak spot for a third rounder who leads rookies in sacks. That’s scouting.
COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay: Forgot about him until this season.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Andy Reid, Kansas City: This was the year to beat the Chiefs and they are in the Super Bowl again.
ASSISTANT COACH OF THE YEAR
Raheem Morris, DC, L.A. Rams: Been saying he should be a head coach and finally get real opportunity. Check out the Rams’ 2023 rookies.
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Just a heads up, the Seahawks didn't trade up to draft Witherspoon. They took him at 5, Detroit was at 6 then traded down after Seattle picked him
I mean, Damar Hamlin literally died on the field and had to be resuscitated, guys.