MVP
Danielle Hunter, DE
If this award didn't go to Kirk Cousins there was probably a good chance that the Vikings 2019 season didn't go where they expected to go. That takes nothing away from Danielle Hunter's terrific season. He got a big new contract in the offseason and emerged as one of the best pass rushers in the game. His potential is so far up there that his big new contract is already one of the great bargains in the league.
If this award didn't go to Kirk Cousins there was probably a good chance that the Vikings 2019 season didn't go where they expected to go. That takes nothing away from Danielle Hunter's terrific season. He got a big new contract in the offseason and emerged as one of the best pass rushers in the game. His potential is so far up there that his big new contract is already one of the great bargains in the league.
Offensive Player of the Year
Adam Thielen, WR
Stefon Diggs, WR
Stefon Diggs, WR
What can be said about these two that hasn't already been said? They are the best receiving duo in the league.
Thielen: 113 catches, 1,373 yards, 9 TDs
Diggs: 102 catches, 1,021 yards, 9 TDs
They combined for 215 catches and it still didn't seem like Cousins and the two offensive coordinators got the ball in their hands enough. Next step, the Vikings have to figure out a way to get the ball in their hands even when defenses focus on shutting both down. Each can get open against any defense the league has to offer.
Defensive Player of the Year
Danielle Hunter, DE
Simply put, Hunter is a beast.
Simply put, Hunter is a beast.
Comeback Player of the Year
Dalvin Cook, RB
Dalvin Cook tore his ACL in the fourth game of his 2017 rookie season. He missed a chunk of this season with a hamstring injury. He's an easy choice for the Vikings' Comeback Player of the Year. He's been in Minnesota for two seasons and we've only seen a hint of his dynamic talent. As great as Thielen and Diggs are the Vikings offense should run through Cook. If he can stay healthy and if the Vikings can bring in an offensive coordinator (if it isn't Kevin Stefanski) that can best utilize his talents, there might not be a better trio of playmakers in the league than Cook. Thielen, and Diggs.
Most Improved Player of the Year
Mackensie Alexander, CB
This is a very easy choice. Mackensie Alexander hasn't always seen things the same way as the coaches. Whatever didn't click in his first two seasons sure clicked in his third. I'm probably a little biased but I wouldn't trade Alexander for another slot corner in the league. There were games in which he was the Vikings' best corner on the field.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
Brian O'Neill, RT
I recently saw a stat that showed the only offensive tackles to not give up a sack in their rookie season:
Joe Thomas
Ryan Clady
Brian O'Neill
I can only guess that the time frame is since Thomas' rookie 2007 season.
The draft "experts" said that Brian O'Neill was a project. Well, he projects as a Vikings starting tackle for a long time. While his rookie season was far from flawless he was often the team's best offensive linemen. The Vikings' top offseason priority is improving the offensive line. The need a line overhaul but O'Neill looks like a cornerstone player.
I recently saw a stat that showed the only offensive tackles to not give up a sack in their rookie season:
Joe Thomas
Ryan Clady
Brian O'Neill
I can only guess that the time frame is since Thomas' rookie 2007 season.
The draft "experts" said that Brian O'Neill was a project. Well, he projects as a Vikings starting tackle for a long time. While his rookie season was far from flawless he was often the team's best offensive linemen. The Vikings' top offseason priority is improving the offensive line. The need a line overhaul but O'Neill looks like a cornerstone player.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Mike Hughes, CB
Holton Hill, CB
One of the big hits to the Vikings this season was when Mike Hughes tore his ACL in Week 6. He was just hitting his stride. After Hughes' injury, Holton Hill made spot starts when Trae Waynes and Xavier Rhodes were injured. He held his own against the likes of Drew Brees, Tom Brady, and Russell Wilson. Hill's play as an undrafted rookie might've been the most surprising and promising of the season. One of the most interesting position groups on the team moving forward is cornerback. Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, Mackensie Alexander, Mike Hughes, and Holton Hill. That's going five-deep at corner like few teams I've ever seen. The Vikings are going to have some tough decisions at the position in the coming years.
There's the Flea Flicker Vikings honors for a season that ended far too soon.
Holton Hill, CB
One of the big hits to the Vikings this season was when Mike Hughes tore his ACL in Week 6. He was just hitting his stride. After Hughes' injury, Holton Hill made spot starts when Trae Waynes and Xavier Rhodes were injured. He held his own against the likes of Drew Brees, Tom Brady, and Russell Wilson. Hill's play as an undrafted rookie might've been the most surprising and promising of the season. One of the most interesting position groups on the team moving forward is cornerback. Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, Mackensie Alexander, Mike Hughes, and Holton Hill. That's going five-deep at corner like few teams I've ever seen. The Vikings are going to have some tough decisions at the position in the coming years.
There's the Flea Flicker Vikings honors for a season that ended far too soon.
No comments:
Post a Comment