HONOURS FROM THE HUDDLE

Nick De Cicco

From the Philadelphia Eagles surprising dominance over the entire league to the absolute collapse of the defending Super Bowl Champion, Los Angeles Rams. Even individual performances on offense and defense alike has been breathtaking for the entire football world to watch. With the final weeks of the regular season creeping up, we are going to break down my predictions for the 2023 NFL honours through the first 14 weeks.

Most Valuable Player/MVP: Jalen Hurts

The 24-year-old quarterback has assisted the Philadelphia Eagles tear through the entire league with dominating wins over the New York Giants, Tennessee Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers. Jalen along with the entire Eagles team has definitely improved from previous years where the playoffs were out of reach.

Hurts stats show his improvements with 264 completions, 68% completion percentage, 3157 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, only 3 interceptions and impressive rushing numbers as a QB in the regular season thus far. Despite the other incredibly talented candidates for this award, the team’s overall success with a 12-1 record through 14 weeks being led by a young quarterback should account for many votes in favour of Jalen Hurts.

Runner ups: Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes.

Offensive Player Of the Year/OPOY: Justin Jefferson

The skilled wide receiver from the Minnesota Vikings is my choice for the OPOY. Jefferson’s repeated highlight reel-worthy plays and impressive stats should make him the highest contender for this award.

The 23-year-old out of LSU has accumulated 99 receptions, 1500 receiving yards with a 15.2 average in his third second with the Vikings. His numbers this year shouldn’t surpass the stats from last season, but it’s still impressive.

Runner ups: Ja’Marr Chase and Tyreek Hill

Defensive Player Of the Year/DPOY: Nick Bosa

The San Francisco 49ers’ Defensive End is my choice for this award. His team has played some stellar defense throughout their games with the fewest yards allowed in the entire league. Nick’s defensive plays and overall stats are impressive to make him worthy of this award.

Bosa has 41 total tackles, 34 solo tackles, and the 15.5 sacks that match his incredible season last year. Although some other players in the league might have been stats, the 49ers’ comeback season this year should also be taken into consideration when determining this prestigious award.

Runner ups: Jordyn Brooks and C.J Gardner-Johnson

Rookie Of The Year/ROTY: Garrett Wilson

The transformation of the New York Jets from an absolute disaster to being in the hunt for a playoff position is stunning as leading the offense is a 22-year-old rookie Wide Receiver. Garrett has 63 receptions, 101 targets, 868 yards, and 4 touchdowns to show for in his first year. As a rookie, I believe Garrett Wilson has the greatest potential to grow into a superstar with the Jets that are seemingly growing into bigger contenders with every passing week.

Runner ups: Christian Watson and Brock Purdy

Coach Of The Year/COTY: Nick Sirianni

As mentioned with every other award prediction, the overall team's performance has a major influence on these choices. The Eagles’ head coach is an absolute lock with the coaching award because of his team’s dominance that was mentioned earlier. Sirianni led his players to have the third most offensive yards, second fewest yards allowed, most sacks and turnovers achieved on defense. Incredible coaching in Nick’s second year with the team and successful replacing Doug Pederson.

Runner ups: Sean McDermott and Andy Reid

Regardless of who wins these prestigious awards, full of football history, one thing is clear. The NFL is full of exceptional talented athletes that will most definitely leave everything they have out on the gridiron and entertain the fans for generations to come!