During every NFL season, there is constant debate about who the frontrunner is for the league’s major awards. Given the talent around the NFL, it seems that there are always multiple players with legitimate cases for each award. This season is no different, with several notable names around the league having masterful seasons. Here are our predictions for the Associated Press 2022 NFL awards.
MVP: Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback
Since bursting onto the scene in 2018, Patrick Mahomes has been an absolute superstar. This season, Mahomes had arguably his most impressive campaign yet. The stats are incredible, as usual: 41 passing touchdowns, 5250 passing yards, and a 77.6 QBR, all of which rank first in the NFL. Even more impressive is the fact that Mahomes didn’t miss a beat despite losing elite wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Hill is the NFL’s top deep threat, and pundits predicted that Kansas City’s offense would regress without him. The fact that Mahomes led the Chiefs’ top-ranked scoring offense without one of the best receivers in football is special.
Offensive Player of the Year: Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver
Like Mahomes, Justin Jefferson didn’t take long to become a superstar in the NFL. The 2020 first-round pick set the franchise record for receiving yards by a rookie. Jefferson reached a new level this season, establishing himself as arguably the NFL’s best wideout. His 1809 receiving yards and 128 receptions led the NFL, and he scored eight touchdowns as well. The former LSU star also had the catch of the year against the Buffalo Bills. While the Vikings’ season ended in disappointing fashion, Jefferson deserves recognition for his incredible play this season.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Garrett Wilson, New York Jets Wide receiver
OROY was one of the most difficult awards to choose from, with several candidates having similarly strong cases. However, Wilson gets the nod here, as his success this season was especially impressive given the Jets’ underwhelming quarterback play. Wilson was consistently productive despite the Jets’ revolving door at quarterback, immediately establishing himself as a star wide receiver. Look for Wilson to be even better next season with the Jets likely to upgrade at quarterback.
Defensive Player of the Year: Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers defensive end
Nick Bosa has had quite a career thus far. Bosa was drafted second overall in 2019 and proceeded to win defensive rookie of the year. He then missed most of 2020 due to injury and returned to form last season by racking up 15.5 sacks. This year, Bosa was even better, posting a league-best 18.5 sacks. Bosa was the best player on the NFL’s best defense, and he was consistently dominant all year. The superstar defensive end has an extremely bright future ahead of him, as he is still just 25 years old.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Sauce Gardner, New York Jets cornerback
Rookie cornerbacks, even ones with great potential, sometimes struggle to make an instant impact. That was not the case for Sauce Gardner of the New York Jets. Gardner earned first-team All-Pro honors this season and made the Pro Bowl as well. Arguably the league’s best cornerback already, the sky is the limit for the former Cincinnati Bearcat. Gardner was a huge reason for the Jets’ defensive prowess this season, as he led the league in passes defended with 20. Gardner and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams give the Jets two foundational pieces to build around on defense.
Comeback Player of the Year: Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks quarterback
Up until this season, Geno Smith was considered by many to be a bust in the NFL. He struggled early in his career with the New York Jets and wasn’t able to establish himself as a starter in the league. Everything changed this season, as Smith had an outstanding season, leading the Seattle Seahawks to a surprise playoff berth. Smith earned a Pro Bowl nod and posted 30 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions. Smith’s dual-threat ability makes him a dangerous playmaker in today’s NFL. The veteran quarterback should be in line for a well-deserved long-term extension in the near future.
Coach of the Year: Brian Daboll, New York Giants
There are numerous deserving Coach of the Year candidates in the NFL this season. However, what Brian Daboll has done with the New York Giants is nothing short of remarkable. The G-Men were predicted to be among the NFL’s worst teams this season. Instead, the Giants made the playoffs after finishing 9-7-1 and won a playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings. Transforming one of the NFL’s worst teams into a playoff team should be enough for Daboll to earn COTY this season.
Assistant Coach of the Year: DeMeco Ryans, San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers were the NFL’s best defense this season. Their consistency was pivotal to the team’s success, especially given the injuries suffered by the 49ers’ quarterbacks. Defensive Coordinator DeMeco Ryans’ defense allowed the fewest points per game in 2022. Ryans recently parlayed his success this season with the 49ers into a head coaching position with the Houston Texans.
