DTTWSB 2011 NFL Regular Season Team/Player Awards

At the end of the season, all the experts come out with their regular season awards. The DTTWSB isn't any different. Throughout the season, some players and teams have stood out to me. For those of you that have been following my blog since last year, you're used to my awards. There are some conventional ones that the associated press comes out with, and then there are some that I created. Can I get a drum roll please...here are my awards.

Most Valuable Player: Aaron Rodgers
Without a doubt, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is my MVP of the season. Not only were his numbers off the charts, he was 14-1 as a starter this season. He's led the Packers to the number one seed in the NFC and has made it look easy the whole time. I haven't seen a quarterback play this well with such a poor offensive line in my life. What he's doing is extraordinary which is why he's my MVP.

Offensive Player of the Year: Drew Brees
In terms of numbers alone, Drew Brees had one of the best seasons for a quarterback. He broke Dan Marino's passing yards record with a game to spare. In the Superdome he's an artist with the football in his hands which propelled him to record-breaking numbers. By putting the offense and the team on his back, Brees earned the offensive player of the year award.

Defensive Players of the Year: Terrell Suggs
On the defensive side of the ball, there hasn't been a better player this season than Terrell Suggs. He brings his best games against the best competition. T-Sizzle represents "ball-so-hard university" very well and has the Ravens defensive front getting after the quarterback. The Ravens had one of the best defenses all season and Sizzle was the leader. He deserves this award.

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Cam Newton
Woah Cam! I don't think I've ever seen a rookie quarterback dominate the NFL the way Cam Newton did. From Week 1 he's been lighting up defenses week in and week out. He's an absolute match up nightmare for any defense. The guy can throw from the pocket and use his legs to extend the play. Newton is a future star and at one point in his career I think we'll be able to say he's the best player in football.

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Von Miller
Before Von Miller got injured, he was playing some outstanding football. The way he gets to the passer is flat out phenomenal. I haven't seen a first step this good since Dwight Freeney was in his prime. Miller has excelled in John Fox's defensive scheme. In a passing league, he's the kind of playmaker that can turn any defense from average to elite.

Comeback Player of the Year: Alex Smith
Oh boy, never in my dreams would I have thought that Alex Smith would be a division-winning quarterback after the year he turned in last season. Coach Harbaugh resurected Smith's career and has him playing with confidence he's never had before. Smith didn't turn the ball over this season which is why his team is in a good position to get to the Super Bowl.

Breakout Player of the Year: Victor Cruz
The salsa dancing machine is my pick for breakout player of the year. Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz flat out balled this season. He's one of the best route runners in the league. What get's lost in the shuffle of Eli Manning's great season is the season Cruz had. He was third in the league in receiving yards and should have made the Pro Bowl. Cruz has become Manning's favorite target and is now one of the better receivers in the league.

Coach of the Year: Jim Harbaugh
Hands down my coach of the year is Jim Harbaugh. The work he did with virtually no offseason is flat out incredible. He didn't even know the names of his players until late July. Using his psycho-analytical motivation, he reminds me of the work Jimmy Johnson did with the 90s Cowboys. This guy has restored prominence back to the Bay Area.

Biggest Surprise of the Year: San Francisco 49ers
I expected absolutely nothing from the 49ers this season. I actually predicted the Rams to win the division back in August. Flash forward five months later and now the 49ers are the number two seed in the NFC playoffs. All the talent they've acquired over the years has now paid off. This team is not a flash in a pan, they're here to stay for the next decade.

Biggest Disappointment of the Year: Chris Johnson
My goodness, after the big holdout CJ2K had I thought he'd come into camp hungry and ready to prove he was worth his huge contract. This guy didn't show up until about Week 11 this season. Maybe he'll come to play next season, but this season he played like a dud.

Overachievers of the Year: Denver Broncos
The overachievers award goes to the Denver Broncos. This team doesn't have much talent, but they made the playoffs. Is this a playoff team next year? Probably not, but with Tebow continuing to progress the future is bright for them. For this season though, they defintiely overachieved.