Midseason Award Winners

We are at the midway point of the NFL season and what we have witnessed so far has been nothing short of amazing. The Los Angeles Rams remain undefeated and show no signs of slowing down, the Patriots have shrugged off their slow start and resumed their annual dominance, and the Cleveland Browns have won not one but two games! So with nine weeks left who have been the standouts thus far?

Coach of the Year Jay Gruden- Washington Redskins

The work Jay Gruden has done this season has been incredible. Most did not know what to make of Washington after trading for Alex Smith and suffering multiple preseason injuries, most anticipated a second or third place division finish at best. Yet here they are leading the NFC East with a 5-2 record and possess one of the best defenses in football. Allowing just over 300 yards of offense per game they are keeping teams out of the end zone and allowing Alex Smith to play typical Alex Smith ball.

Yes, the Rams are undefeated and Andy Reid has turned Patrick Mahomes into an MVP candidate. But few people outside of Washington expected this from the Redskins, their season has been an excellent surprise so far.

Honorable Mention- Andy Reid: Kansas City Chiefs

Offensive Rookie of the Year Saquon Barkley- New York Giants

Barkley has lived up to the hype through eight games. His elite combination of speed and strength is a nightmare for defenses. Whether between the tackles or lining up outside Barkley is a difficult matchup wherever he lines up. What separates Barkley from other candidates is his receiving ability. He currently has 497 receiving yards this season, more than Rob Gronkowski, Sammy Watkins, and Demaryius Thomas.

However, this race was closer than many may think. Undrafted rookie Phillip Lindsay has been the driving force of Denver's offense this season. He has out rushed Barkley on 18 fewer carries. If Lindsay continues his strong season he may take the lead in this race

Honorable Mention- Phillip Lindsay: Denver Broncos

Defensive Rookie of the Year Darius Leonard- Indianapolis Colts

Next to Lindsay Darius Leonard has been the surprise rookie in the league. The South Carolina State product has been a game wrecker so far this year. With 88 tackles (first in NFL) and four sacks, Leonard has done it all for the Colts.

The only real challenger is Chargers safety, Derwin James. James has been an instrumental piece for an improved Chargers defense but simply cannot match the production of Leonard.

Honorable Mention- Derwin James: Los Angeles Chargers

Most Valuable Player Todd Gurley- Los Angeles Rams

What can Todd Gurley not do? Seriously. With his speed and size, Sean McVay could put Gurley at linebacker and he would lead the league in tackles. Gurley does everything at an elite level. He can run, catch, block and even return kicks if necessary, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIxrtzu3TdM.

He leads the league in rushing and total touchdowns and has 351 receiving yards. It would take an enormous second-half effort but Gurley has an outside shot at reaching 2,000 rushing yards, with his talent I wouldn't count him out. Simply put, Gurley is the best player on the NFL's best team.

Leading the pack chasing Gurley is Patrick Mahomes. The second-year pro is playing like a veteran. Leading the league in passing yards Mahomes has turned his potential into production and will be an MVP candidate for years to come.

Honorable Mention- Patrick Mahomes: Kansas City Chiefs

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