NFL Awards 2020: MVP, Offensive and Defensive POY, Rookies, Coach, and Comeback Player

In the Running:

Joe Burrow- QB, Cincinnati Bengals

The draft’s top pick has looked every bit of the part. Burrow seems calm under pressure and not overwhelmed by the expectations. He has been somewhat inconsistent at times behind a terrible offensive line. A unit that ranks 30th in run blocking and 27th pass protection according to Football Outsiders rankings. They have also allowed 32 sacks on the season, second only to the Eagles.

The Bengals defense is also mediocre, allowing 27.8 per game. It also doesn’t help to have to play the Steelers and Ravens twice a year. With an offensive that has young talent, Burrow has respectable numbers as a rookie. Logging a 65.4% completion percentage, 2,485 yards, 15 total TDs (3 rushing), and only 5 INT.

Tua Tagovailoa- QB, Miami Dolphins

Full disclosure, I think it’s ridiculous to put him over WRs Justin Jefferson of the Vikings or Chase Claypool of the Steelers. James Robinson, RB for the Jaguars deserves consideration too. Tua has played in only three games. He has a much smaller sample size compared to the first two QBs mentioned. But when looking at the betting odds, he is closing in and currently ranks third among rookies. Also, QBs traditionally are favored over positional players for awards. The Alabama product has had a couple of splash plays, but his defense is top five in the league. I feel he hasn’t done enough to surpass the receivers and back. Not to say he can’t, as a lot can happen with seven games left.