Detroit Lions Midseason Awards Banquet

Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the 2009 Detroit Lions Midseason Awards Banquet—held this year in the lovely Pontiac Silverdome!

Sadly, some miscreants recently broke in and stole much of the decorations, food, and trophies we were going to use for this momentous occasion.

The planning committee is just glad that our bid of $3.25 and a collection of Subway coupons was able to win the auction of this treasured landmark!

To start things off right, the committee has compiled a highlight video of the most exciting plays this year.

Sit back and enjoy your shrimp cocktail—don't mind the veins; it's extra protein.

Whew, that sure was a great play by that speedster...wait what? That was the wrong video? Umm...well, never mind then. On to the awards!

The Billy "BBQ" Sims Award—Rookie of the Year

Nominees: Louis Delmas, Brandon Pettigrew, Matthew Stafford

And the award goes to...Louis Delmas.

This award is brought to you by Billy Sims BBQ in lovely Tulsa, Oklahoma, check out the "Heisman Platter" with a side of Billy's famous chili next time you're in Tulsa!

No rookie stakes a higher claim on Lions ROY than Louis Delmas, the second-round pick out of Western Michigan. Delmas stepped right into the starting lineup and contributed immediately. He is first among NFC defensive backs with seven passes defended.

Delmas is the only NFL rookie with a sack, an interception, and a touchdown.

The Alex Wojciechowicz Award—Best in the Trenches

Nominees: Jason Hunter, Stephen Peterman, Dewayne White

And the award goes to...Stephen Peterman.

Alex Wojciechowicz was known for being a great center but was also an erstwhile defensive player, using his large frame to pull down seven interceptions in one season. 

Stephen Peterman wins this award not only for his surprise contribution on the defensive side of the ball, but also because he has been a steady contributor on the offensive side of the ball, playing well in spite of constant flux around him.

The Barry Sanders Award—Offensive Player of the Year

Nominees: Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford, Jason Hanson

And the award goes to...Kevin Smith.

*Both members of the crowd gasp*

Although fans have soured on the second-year back from UCF, Smith is the team's leading rusher and fourth-leading receiver—accounting for over a quarter of the team's total yardage and 15 percent of its scoring.

Kevin Smith is statistically having a better season than in 2008, where he started slow and got most of his yardage in the second half of the year.

The Lem Barney Award—Defensive Player of the Year

Nominees: Louis Delmas, Larry Foote, Julian Peterson

And the award goes to...Julian Peterson.

When Peterson came to Detroit in a trade sending Corey Redding to Seattle, fans expected a lot. By and large, Peterson hasn't lived up to expectations of the masses.

What Peterson has done is lead the team in sacks (3.5). At forcing fumbles, Peterson has three, which also leads the team and he is tied for third in the league. Peterson is also tied for fourth on the team with 34 tackles.

Peterson has further helped the Lions by showing versatility and converting to situational defensive end for the first time since college.

The Joe Schmidt Award—Team MVP

Nominees: Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, Julian Peterson, Larry Foote

And the award goes to...Calvin Johnson.

Calvin Johnson hasn't been the Lions' most productive offensive player. If hard pressed, one could even make the argument that Bryant Johnson has been as good of a receiver.

Of course, most of that has to do with Megatron's lingering injury which has cost him two games. Those two games, against Green Bay and St. Louis, taught the national media just how much the Lions depend on Calvin Johnson.

Johnson not getting the ball is hardly his fault. Stafford has missed repeatedly on throws to Johnson. The two clearly have work to do on their chemistry, as Johnson has caught less than half of the 50 balls thrown his way.

Still, there is no doubt that the Detroit Lions have no chance at improving their 1-7 record without a healthy Calvin Johnson.

For NFL-wide Awards, Click Here

And there you have it! Thank you for stopping by for this year's Detroit Lions Midseason Awards Banquet! Stay in your seats for a 30-second short video presentation showing the career highlights of special teams coach Stan Kwan.

Michael Schottey is a Detroit Lions Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report and the producer and host of The Average Joe Sports Show on 860AM KNUJ (New Ulm, MN). He is also an NFL Analyst and Senior Writer for DraftTek.com. Follow Him on Twitter.

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