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The Steelers always announced their awards prior to the end of the season, so I wanted to throw this out there as well. Unlike previous years, I think there's a lot of options for these awards (unfortunately, in a bad way due to the lack of standouts).
MVP: Aaron Rodgers - There really weren't any standouts this year and while he had stretches of bad play, Rodgers held his teammates to a standard, something we don't always see from others in the locker room. Heading into the final week, he has a 23 TDs to just 7 INTs and will be the key factor whether or not the Steelers beat the Ravens next week.
Offensive Player of the Year: Kenneth Gainwell - It was either Gainwell or Warren. Over the course of the season, I felt Warren was underutilized and part of it was because Gainwell was a focal point of the offense who improved as the season progressed. He had 527 rushing yards (4.8 YPC) and 4 TDs and added 65 receptions for 422 yards and 3 TDs. While Warren had better production and is a better player, IMO, Gainwell was featured as a more important part of the offense.
Defensive Player of the Year: Alex Highsmith - For the guy everyone is always looking to trade, Highsmith had another really good season. Leads the team in sacks (8.5) and TFL (13) and has 2 PDs and 1 FF. He generated pressure and was strong against the run.
Rookie of the Year: Derrick Harmon - It was an injury-plagued season for Harmon, but the only other contributors were Sawyer and Black as backups and Bruener on special teams. The defensive splits with and without Harmon against the run were significant. His pass rush was limited, but it takes time for IDL to develop. He has 2 and 4 QB hits, but none since October 12th.
Biggest Surprise: Darnell Washington - A big contract for Pat Freiermuth and a trade for Jonnu Smith wasn't enough for Darnell Washington overtaking both in snap counts. Already known for his blocking, Washington finished the season with 31 receptions (6th) for 364 yards (4th) with an average of 11.7 YPC (4th) and 1 TD. He had some of the best highlights of the year running over defenders and showed he's an all-around TE.
Coach of the Year: Gerald Alexander - No group had more issues than the defensive backfield. Injuries and position shuffling made it a challenging year, but they grew and improved throughout the season. Jalen Ramsey successfully transitioned to safety and was an impact player, James Pierre was playing elite football prior to his injury, Kyle Dugger played well since being acquired, Brandin Echols was excellent in his role, and Joey Porter Jr. had the best season of his career. It wasn't without faults (Darius Slay, Juan Thornhill), but this group adjusted on the fly.
MVP: Aaron Rodgers - There really weren't any standouts this year and while he had stretches of bad play, Rodgers held his teammates to a standard, something we don't always see from others in the locker room. Heading into the final week, he has a 23 TDs to just 7 INTs and will be the key factor whether or not the Steelers beat the Ravens next week.
Offensive Player of the Year: Kenneth Gainwell - It was either Gainwell or Warren. Over the course of the season, I felt Warren was underutilized and part of it was because Gainwell was a focal point of the offense who improved as the season progressed. He had 527 rushing yards (4.8 YPC) and 4 TDs and added 65 receptions for 422 yards and 3 TDs. While Warren had better production and is a better player, IMO, Gainwell was featured as a more important part of the offense.
Defensive Player of the Year: Alex Highsmith - For the guy everyone is always looking to trade, Highsmith had another really good season. Leads the team in sacks (8.5) and TFL (13) and has 2 PDs and 1 FF. He generated pressure and was strong against the run.
Rookie of the Year: Derrick Harmon - It was an injury-plagued season for Harmon, but the only other contributors were Sawyer and Black as backups and Bruener on special teams. The defensive splits with and without Harmon against the run were significant. His pass rush was limited, but it takes time for IDL to develop. He has 2 and 4 QB hits, but none since October 12th.
Biggest Surprise: Darnell Washington - A big contract for Pat Freiermuth and a trade for Jonnu Smith wasn't enough for Darnell Washington overtaking both in snap counts. Already known for his blocking, Washington finished the season with 31 receptions (6th) for 364 yards (4th) with an average of 11.7 YPC (4th) and 1 TD. He had some of the best highlights of the year running over defenders and showed he's an all-around TE.
Coach of the Year: Gerald Alexander - No group had more issues than the defensive backfield. Injuries and position shuffling made it a challenging year, but they grew and improved throughout the season. Jalen Ramsey successfully transitioned to safety and was an impact player, James Pierre was playing elite football prior to his injury, Kyle Dugger played well since being acquired, Brandin Echols was excellent in his role, and Joey Porter Jr. had the best season of his career. It wasn't without faults (Darius Slay, Juan Thornhill), but this group adjusted on the fly.
