We’re at the halfway point in the season, so I’m giving out some midseason awards. At the bottom you’ll find my Week 9 picks. Enjoy.
The Most Clutch Award
This award goes to Josh Freeman, who week after week puts together game winning drives in the fourth quarter. The Buccaneers are a cool 5-2 right now, and all of those wins can be attributed to their young quarterback. The Bucs are playing with some fire by keeping all of their games so close, but it looks like Freeman can handle the pressure. Just check out this bomb to Arrelious Benn at the end of the Cardinals game. This kid is clutch.
The Biggest Disappointment Award
This award goes to the entire Dallas Cowboys organization. Are you kidding me Cowboys? 1-6? This could be the most talented team in the NFL, yet they have been a joke this year, losing games because of dumb penalties, turnovers and poor play-calling. Their season is officially over because of Chris Gronkowski’s inability to pick up a block, and Tony Romo is now done for the year with a broken collarbone. Maybe if they can get Jon Gruden or Bill Cowher to take over as head coach for next season they’ll be able to get it together, but I don’t know. I’m getting the feeling that this franchise is cursed.
Defensive MVP
In a tie between Clay Matthews and Osi Umenyiora, I’m giving this one to the guy with the way cooler name. Umeniyiora has been borderline unstoppable this season. With eight sacks and seven forced fumbles through seven games, he’s on an absurd pace for 18 plus sacks and 16 forced fumbles. The Giants’ pass rush is back in a big way, and you have to credit Umeniyiora for that.
Offensive MVP
There are a bunch of names I could put here, but I’m giving this award to Adrian Peterson. I’ve never seen anyone be so dominant. He’s a physical freak, running with the speed and agility of a wide receiver that can still hit you with the force of a Mack Truck. This guy hurts people. That’s the 2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year he’s running over. Peterson has been fantastic this season, and if this team could actually win a few games, he would be in strong consideration for the league MVP.
Greatest Fantasy Football Nickname
This one goes to BenJarvus Green-Ellis, “The Law Firm.” How awesome is that?
The Journeyman Award
No surprise here, this award goes to Randy Moss, who is now putting on his third uniform of the season. I guess I can understand why the Patriots traded him, since they weren’t planning on re-signing him after the season and they felt they might as well get something for him. That said, a third round pick isn’t a whole lot when you’re losing one of the greatest receivers of all-time. However, the Vikings waiving him after four games makes no sense. You traded for Randy Moss and are surprised that he has attitude problems? It’s not as though this guy has been a model citizen throughout his career. However, I love the potential of the Titans‘ offense now. You couldn’t ask for two more explosive players on the field than Chris Johnson and Randy Moss. I think that if any coach can keep Moss in line, it’s Jeff Fisher, but I need to see it to believe it. At least this whole situation is entertaining. I can’t wait for Oliver Stone to direct the Randy Moss movie in 15 years; it’s going to be epic.
The “Just Retire Already” Award
This award goes to Brett Favre. The time has come. When he was on the sideline last week after getting knocked out of the Patriots game, it honestly looked like he was on his deathbed. On the cart ride off the field, he needed a trainer to hold a towel to his chin. I saw Jackass 3 a couple weeks ago, and during one of the skits I remember thinking, “these guys are like 40, this isn’t funny, it’s just sad.” I feel the same way about Favre.
Week 9 Picks
TB (+9) over ATL
Huge spread considering Tampa Bay is 5-2. With the emergence of LaGarrette Blount last week, the Bucs have a very balanced offense. Once teams realize that the only person Matt Ryan throws to is Roddy White, they won’t be a tough team to shut down.
CLE (+4.5) over NE
The Patriots are so overrated it’s unbelievable. They have literally no weapons on offense, give up a ton of yards on defense, yet they get lucky breaks every single week to squeeze out wins. The Browns compete with every team they play, are coming off a bye and coach Eric Mangini used to be New England’s defensive coordinator. I like the Browns’ chances of knocking off the Pats at home.
BUF (+2.2) over CHI
The Bills have played great but lost two heartbreakers the past two weeks. If there’s any game they win this year, it’s this one. Watch the Bears go 5-11. Just watch.