Tampa Bay Buccaneers and NFL Midseason Awards: Naming the Best Performers for the Buccaneers So Far This Season
By Leo Howell
Oct 27, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) attempts to quiet down the crownd in the first quarter against the Washington Redskins at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
NFL MVP
League-wide awards now. (Don’t expect many Buccaneers.)
Winner: Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
Second Place (tie): Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs and Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints
Manning was a clear choice as MVP, with only one person (me) failing to give him their first place vote. Manning has been spectacular, and is running the best offense in the NFL to record-setting numbers.
Charles was my pick for MVP, because he’s doing so much on an offense with a below average quarterback. Kansas City’s offense would not be the same without a player like Charles in the backfield.
Graham has been virtually unstoppable and is the only reliable receiver the Saints have. He’s a major reason why that team is doing as well as they are.
Tony Romo, Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady and Drew Brees all received votes in this category, as well.
NFL Rookie of the Year
Who has been the best rookie in the league?
Winner: Kiko Alonso, Buffalo Bills
Second Place: Eddie Lacy, Green Bay Packers
Third Place: Gio Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals
Alonso has been all over the field, grabbing interceptions and making tackles from his linebacker position at a Pro Bowl level.
Lacy has been one of the best running backs in the league, running hard and picking up yards after contact to help balance the Green Bay offense.
And Bernard has made some highlight reel plays at running back, helping to provide some spark to the Bengals offense outside of A.J. Green.
Sheldon Richardson, Keenan Allen, and Zac Stacy all received votes, as well.
Super Bowl Picks
AFC: Broncos
NFC: Seahawks or 49ers
The staff couldn’t agree on an NFC team, but the general idea is that the best teams from the AFC and NFC West will be on a collision course for the Super Bowl this season.
The Bengals, Patriots, and Saints also received consideration.