The Panthers' luck at running back has been unfortunate for the last few years, to say the least. When Jonathan Stewart was selected in the draft, fans wondered if it was in an effort to admit an error in selecting DeAngelo Williams in 2006.
While Williams has been good in Carolina, the level of play Stewart brings to the Panthers' offense is a much more significant threat. With a 4.4-yard average, and four touchdowns, fans are wondering how much longer it will be until he's named the starter.
For your consideration: WR DeSean Jackson, PHI
DeSean Jackson has made life easier for Donovan McNabb in the City of Brotherly Love. With 327 receiving yards on the season, and a 14.9-yard per catch average, Jackson is all but a guarantee to move the chains with every touch.
He has breakaway speed and great hands—a combination that's usually a game of give-and-take with most wide receivers in the NFL. His big-play ability opens up the Philadelphia offense even more and forces an opposing defense to play on their toes.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: CB Chris Horton, WAS
Experienced quarterbacks enjoy exploiting the rookie cornerback. They target the inexperience, put the defensive back on an island, and take advantage of them for an entire game.
Using such an approach against Chris Horton would be ill advised.
Through four weeks, he leads all rookies with three interceptions. It's more than just luck, though.
Horton has a knack for placing himself between the quarterback and the receiver. His ability to disrupt the timing of a route has been a welcomed addition to the Redskins' secondary.
For your consideration: LB Jerod Mayo, NE
The excellent scouting department in New England deserves some credit. Jerod Mayo has started in the complex 3-4 defensive alignment, continuing a Patriot tradition of quality play from the linebackers.
Although he has yet to record any sacks, it's Mayo's ability to take every snap, finish plays, and stop the ballcarrier that's truly on display. He has emerged as a wall in the Patriots' defense, recording 25 tackles, 21 of the solo variety.
Offensive Player of the Year: QB Jay Cutler, DEN
It's been the Broncos' running game that's always galloped through defenses for chunks of yardage. In 2008, it's the aerial approach keeping everyone on their toes.
After two disappointing seasons, Jay Cutler is the quarterback most fans feared he would never be.
With no help from his defense, Cutler bears the burden of victory on his shoulders alone. It's not an unfamiliar scenario for him, as his time in Vanderbilt was spent carrying the team. This time though, the young gunslinger has some better players around him.
With Eddie Royal and Brandon Marshall making it look easy for him, Cutler's nine touchdowns and multiple 300-yard passing games are looking more and more like a coming-out party with each passing week.
He is still prone to errors, but he's a skilled enough player to continue attacking defenses through the air.
For your consideration: RB Adrian Peterson, MIN
Adrian Peterson is in the unfortunate position of being the only bright spot on an inconsistent Minnesota Vikings team.
When no defense respects your team's passing game, and you're the one weapon everyone is homing in on, no one should expect much. Unless, of course, your name is Adrian Peterson, and you have no difficulty stringing together tough yards.
Unfortunately for Peterson, his monstrous 5.1-yards per carry average is a contribution to a team that can do nothing else. Every positive thing the Vikings do while Peterson's on the field should be credited to him. Without his presence, the Vikings' offense is lost.
Defensive Player of the Year: CB Cortland Finnegan, TEN
Message to all 2008 opponents of the Tennessee Titans: The field has been sliced in half.
Cortland Finnegan is the most dangerous cornerback to throw against in 2008.
It's said that most cornerbacks require three seasons to truly develop. Adapting to the speed of the NFL is a trying task. It would appear that Finnegan's development is going very well. He's following up a solid 2007 season with a monstrous 2008.
We're going to send you the most entertaining Washington Redskins articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
33 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete