PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – The regular season over in the NFL, there are four major award-winners to determine. The staff at 93.7 The Fan came together and voted on the Big 4 categories with the results, complete with comments.
NFL Coach of the Year—Cleveland Browns Kevin Stefanski
50% of Fan vote
-“Took an exceptionally dysfunctional group from last year, overcame the loss of Odell Beckham, Jr. and made it to the playoffs in a rugged conference where 10-6 wasn’t good enough.”
“Taking what that terrible franchise was and turning them into not just a winner, but a playoff team is a gargantuan task that he accomplished.”
“It’s not like Cleveland didn’t have talent last year, but the fact that Stefanski was able to make something of the talent they have and turn them into an 11-win team is absolutely incredible.”
“He got the Browns into the playoffs…that deserves something other than getting Covid-19”
Ron Rivera-Washington
21% of Fan vote
-“Survived cancer, a franchise name change, ownership chaos, a 2-7 start and the released of his franchise quarterback to make the playoffs.”
-“I know they were 7-9, but all things considered, to get that team, with that quarterback situation and battle through cancer in a pandemic. How is anyone else in the conversation?”
Others receiving votes-Brian Flores-Miami, Sean McDermott-Buffalo, Andy Reid-Kansas City
NFL Offensive Player of the Year-Derrick Henry-Tennessee
50% of the Fan vote
“What Henry did this year to reach 2,000 yards down the stretch of the season was unlike anything we’ve seen from that position in a long time.”
“Arguably the league's best non-quarterback offensive player, Henry recorded just the eighth 2,000-yard rushing performance in NFL history, again proving to a pass-happy league that you can still win games on the ground.”
“Henry has four 200-yard games in his past 17 games; Jim Brown and Barry Sanders had four such games in their careers.”
Aaron Rodgers-Green Bay
36% of Fan vote
Others receiving votes-Devante Adams-Green Bay
NFL Defensive Player of the Year-TJ Watt-Steelers
93% of Fan vote
“One of the greatest seasons in Steelers history. Considering their Hall of Famers on defense, that is amazing.”
“Watt has been unblockable and a thorn in the side of every offense he has played this season. Although uncalled holding penalties is not a statistic currently tracked, he would have led that as well.”
“Injury took away Bud Dupree and Watt continued to be a menace. The stats tell of a remarkable season, Aaron Donald is also remarkable. Could start a team with either player, but Watt was better this year.”
“Led league in sacks, QB hits and tackles for loss. ‘Nuff said.”
Others receiving votes-Aaron Donald-Los Angeles
NFL MVP-Aaron Rodgers-Green Bay
79% of Fan vote
-“He has been dominant. Not just good, dominant. He has made that team a Super Bowl favorite almost on his own.”
“Saddled with the task of the Packers drafting a quarterback and the scuttlebutt in the offseason that his replacement was looking over his shoulder, Rodgers has shined.”
“They drafted his replacement when they needed help in other areas, yet Rodgers lifted Green Bay to the top seed in the NFC. Amazing”
“For those that want to argue for Patrick Mahomes, I'll listen. But only long enough for you to spell Equanimeous St. Brown or Marquez Valdez-Scantling, both of whom Rodgers has turned into household names while Mahomes works under an offensive coaching guru or two and gets to utilize the fastest man in football (Tyreek Hill), the best tight end in football (Travis Kelce), and the most diverse set of weapons this side of the Swiss army knife.”
Patrick Mahomes-Kansas City
14% of Fan vote
“The way he's been able to get the offense to flip a switch late in games is unmatched. They don't always have the best game, but Mahomes can seemingly do whatever it takes to get a win.”
Others receiving votes-Josh Allen-Buffalo