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The Ultimate Source for your Ph.D. in Pigskin |
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The Doc's 2008 All Pro Team and Awards Well, it truly was a wacky year in the National Football League. If someone would have told me at the beginning of the year that the Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons would both be in the playoffs, I would have bet the house against it. At the same time, the thought of the Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots not making the playoffs would have been absolutely ludicrous. Of course, this is what makes the NFL the best league in all of sports. With parity, almost every city has reason to be excited (and yes, that means Detroit, Cincinnati, and Oakland, too) for the beginning of each season. In this vein, I would like to ask the fans of the Houston Texans and San Francisco 49ers to start making preparations now for their 2009 postseason appearances. Without further ado, here's my All Pro team and awards for 2008. Let me know if you disagree with any of the picks, or simply want to ask a question, by clicking on the "Ask the Doc" link above. Offense Quarterback: Peyton
Manning, Indianapolis Defense Ends: Mario Williams,
Houston and Justin Tuck, New York Giants Special Teams Kicker: Ryan Longwell,
Minnesota Most Valuable Player: Peyton Manning, Indianapolis - I look at this award as it reads. In other words, I give it to the guy who is the most valuable to his team. While there may have been better players this year, the Colts relied on Manning more than ever, and he delivered. Honorable Mention: Adrian Peterson, Minnesota and Michael Turner, Atlanta. Offensive Player of the Year: Adrian Peterson, Minnesota - with what we've seen so far in his young career, they may end up naming this one after Peterson. When you consider that every team that plays the Vikings looks to stop him, his production is amazing. Honorable Mention: Michael Turner, Atlanta and Drew Brees, New Orleans Defensive Player of the Year: Albert Haynesworth, Tennessee - as much as I appreciate the play of Ed Reed, nobody affects a game like Haynesworth. Whether it's against the run or pass, opposing teams simply have to account for number 92. Honorable Mention: Ed Reed, Baltimore and James Harrison, Pittsburgh Offensive Rookie of the Year: Matt Ryan, Atlanta - rookie quarterbacks just aren't supposed to come into the league and succeed, but Mr. Ryan did just that. And no, he doesn't just "manage" the offense - he directs it. Honorable Mention: Joe Flacco, Baltimore and Steve Slaton, Houston Defensive Rookie of the Year: Jerod Mayo, New England - he stepped into one of the most intricate defensive schemes in the NFL seamlessly. Oh, and becoming one of Bill Belichick's favorites as a rookie is a pretty big accomplishment, too. Honorable Mention: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Arizona and Chris Horton, Washington Coach of the Year: Mike Smith, Atlanta - I gave the nod to Smith because he had to deal with more than any of the other candidates (rookie quarterback, dysfunctional franchise, angry fans, etc.). In addition, he accomplished all of this while competing in the best division in the league. Honorable Mention: Tony Sporano, Miami and John Harbaugh, Baltimore Executive of the Year: Bill Parcells, Miami - The Tuna wins because of totally overhauling a 1-15 team in 2007, convincing a defense that they could withstand losing two of their best players in the franchise's history (Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas), and bringing in a quarterback that nobody else believed in (Chad Pennington). Honorable Mention: Thomas Dimitroff, Atlanta and Marty Hurney, Carolina Comeback Player of the Year: Jake Dehomme, Carolina - the Panthers quarterback certainly hasn't compiled mind-numbing stats, but playing as well as he has after Tommy John surgery has been impressive to say the least. Also, his leadership is one of the main reasons for the turnaround in Carolina. Honorable Mention: Antonio Bryant, Tampa Bay and Chad Pennington, Miami |
