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We’re at the midway point of the season. So let’s pass out awards, both good and bad, to Saints players for their performance thus face.
Saints Midseason Awards
Offensive Rookie of the Year:
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WR Michael Thomas
Could it really be anyone else? Saints rookie wideout Michael Thomas ranks 21st among all wide receivers across the NFL. To date, he has 573 receiving yards and 5 TDs, and his number of targets, yards, receptions, and TDs are all trending upward as the season progresses. He is quickly becoming Drew Brees’s #1 receiver, and quietly having an incredible rookie year. Honorable Mention: RB Daniel Lasco
Defensive Rookie of the Year:
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CB Ken Crawley
Crawley never expected to see as many snaps as he’s seen thus far, but injuries to the secondary have forced Crawley into action. He has far from shined in his time on the field, but has undoubtedly shown growth from game to game.
On the season, Crawley has 6 PBUs, 1 forced fumble, and 36 combined tackles. With the return of CB Delvin Breaux, hopefully the Saints won’t have to lean on Crawley as heavily moving forward, but if they do, it’s not the absolute worst thing in the world. Honorable Mention: DT David Onyemata
Special Teams Rookie of the Year:
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K Wil Lutz
Say what you, but Lutz has had himself a great year all things considered. He didn’t dominate in the kicking department straight out of the gate, with misses and low-trajectory shots leading to blocks. But now, aside from last week’s miss on a 55-yarder against San Francisco, he looks good. For the first time in a while, I feel fairly confident with the Saints kicking situation moving forward.
Offensive MVP:
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QB Drew Brees
He’s just a machine. Another year, more records falls. Every week he seems to break new NFL records, whether it’s career 300 yard passing games, consecutive 200 yard passing games, or whatever. Drew is currently second in the NFL in passing yards this season, with the leader (Matt Ryan) having played one more game. He is second in passing rating, second in passing touchdowns, first in passing yards per game, and first in completion percentage (of QBs who have played a full season). Honorable Mention: WR Michael Thomas
Offensive Least Valuable Player:
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OL Terron Armstead
This isn’t necessarily to say Armstead has performed poorly, but rather that he just simply hasn’t performed. After inking a fairly hefty contract extension, the young lineman simply has not been able to stay on the field. This is definitely not what the New Orleans Saints were hoping for in what was supposed to be the long-term anchor of the offensive line.
Defensive MVP:
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S Kenny Vaccaro
Kenny Vaccaro has been one of the few consistent bright spots in the Saints mediocre defense this year. Last week alone, Vaccaro finished the game with 9 total tackles and a forced fumble. Vaccaro has constantly been around the ball and is one of the better tacklers in the open field on the entire Saints defense. Honorable Mention: LB Nate Stupar
Defensive Least Valuable Player:
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S Jairus Byrd
Was this really a surprise? To say Jairus Byrd continues to underwhelm this year would be an understatement. His ball-hawking play still has yet to materialize, and more frustrating still is having to watch him get beat in the open field with runners flying right past him.
Across the NFL -
MVP: QB Tom Brady, New England Patriots
Honorable Mention: QB Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
ROY: QB Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
Honorable Mention: RB Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys
What do you think? Do you disagree? These are just my opinions - if you think your opinions are better, share in the comments. Send me presents.
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