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It was Thursday evening that this 2023 campaign began with the match between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Detroit Lions. As we approach the first Sunday of the calendar, what better way than to go in with some predictions for the top individual honors.
Most Valuable Player: Joe Burrow, quarterback, Cincinnati Bengals
Since 2000, 19 of the 23 most valuable players played at the quarterback position. The 2023 season should be no exception with all the talent there is at this position in the NFL.
Although he started the year with a scare (right calf injury), Joe Burrow seems a logical candidate to win the NFL’s most prestigious individual honor. The Bengals are one of the main favorites to have a thunderous season and Burrow is the source of these great hopes for the representatives of Ohio. Cincinnati has one of the offenses with the highest passing percentage in 2022 (62.3%).
The 26-year-old play-caller has all the tools around him to shine with electrifying receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins as well as an improved offensive line. All that remains is for health to be there throughout the calendar.
Offensive Player of the Year: Justin Jefferson, receiver, Minnesota Vikings
If the title of MVP is often awarded to a quarterback, the honor of offensive player of the year has gone to a carrier or a receiver during the last four campaigns. In 2022, receiver Justin Jefferson got it following an exquisite year in which he amassed 1,809 yards and eight touchdowns.
An exceptional athlete and centerpiece of the Vikings’ offense, Jefferson could well make the pass of two in 2023. He could be the first to retain the title of offensive player of the year since the Marshall Faulk at the turn of the millennium (1999 to 2001).
Jefferson also has what it takes to threaten the all-time single-season rushing record of 1,912 set by Calvin Johnson in 2012.
Defensive Player of the Year: Ahmad Gardner, cornerback, New York Jets
Over the last ten campaigns, the title of defensive player of the year has gone to a cornerback only once (Stephon Gilmore in 2019). Typically, this honor is given to a defensive end or linebacker who makes brilliant plays on the field, much like the TJ Watt, Nick Bosa or Micah Parsons of this world.
That said, if there’s one player who can win this distinction as a cornerback, it’s Ahmad Gardner. Last year, he inherited the title of defensive rookie par excellence thanks to his brilliance on the field. He even became the first at his position in 41 years to earn All-Pro distinction.
The one who was voted as the best cornerback in the NFL shone in 2022 by leaving only crumbs to the receivers who lined up against him. The quarterbacks attacking him completed only 45.9% of attempts directed at him and they had a passer rating of 53.9. Gardner is already one of the great defensive stars in the NFL and the next year should allow him to make life difficult for receivers and quarterbacks.
Offensive Rookie: Bijan Robinson, running back, Atlanta Falcons
The most talented running back since Saquon Barkley, Bijan Robinson is a blend of agility, speed and intelligence on the field. In an attack like that of the Falcons, where the potential through the air appears to be limited, Robinson should be used extensively from the first game of the season by head coach Arthur Smith. The Falcons did not hesitate to take the 8th pick of the last auction to secure the services of Robinson. It is therefore not to make up the numbers that the 21-year-old athlete was selected by Atlanta.
Since he plays behind a solid offensive line and has demonstrated good skills on aerial plays, it is not unrealistic to believe that Robinson can amass 1,000 yards rushing and 500 passing.
Defensive rookie: Will Anderson Jr., linebacker, Houston Texans
To begin his reign as Texans instructor, DeMeco Ryans has the privilege of counting on an exceptional athlete like Will Anderson Jr. Selected 3rd overall in the last auction, Anderson should enjoy Ryans’ system while his power and Speed will be used in abundance to chase the opposing quarterback.
Anderson is part of the revival among the Texans and this next campaign should allow him to demonstrate what he is made of. If all goes well, he will give opponents nightmares.
Coach of the Year: Robert Saleh, New York Jets
After years of misery, the Jets, now banking on veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, are equipped to make a return to the playoffs for the first time since 2010. Certainly, the presence of Rodgers would be an essential component to get there, but Above all, we must not neglect the contribution of head coach Robert Saleh.
Hired in 2021, the former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator has worked hard to get the Jets back on the path to respectability. Last year, New York had a top-five defense with just 18.6 points allowed on average. This unit accomplished it all while spending a lot of time on the field as the offense, without a quarterback worthy of the name, was one of the worst in the NFL.
If the Jets return to the playoffs, Saleh is the ideal candidate for head coach of the year.
2023-09-09 08:00:00
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