The NFL announced its finalists for its AP awards on Wednesday, and there are plenty of New York representatives up for awards.
On the Giants' side, Saquon Barkley is one of three finalists for the Comeback Player of the Year award, going up against Christian McCaffrey and former Jets quarterback Geno Smith. Barkley returned to the 1,000-yard rushing mark this season after two years of injuries, helping Big Blue out of its postseason drought, and setting Barkley up for a nice contract this offseason.
Also for the Giants, Brian Daboll is a Coach of the Year finalist, hardly a surprise after the first-year head coach led Big Blue to its first postseason victory since Super Bowl XLVI. Philadelphia's Nick Sirianni, San Francisco's Kyle Shanahan, Buffalo's Sean McDermott, and Jacksonville's Doug Pederson are the other finalists.
As for the Jets, their rookies shined, as wide receiver Garrett Wilson is a finalist for Offensive Rookie of the Year, going up against Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III and 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. On the defensive side, Sauce Gardner is a finalist for the rookie honor, likely considered the favorite against Detroit defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and Seattle cornerback Tariq Woolen.
The winners will be announced Thursday, Feb. 9 at 9 p.m. on NBC.
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