Manning's Drive For Four Headlines Post-Deadline Awards

The NFL trade deadline just passed, and what a deadline it was.  Just kidding, nothing ever happens.  There were a couple of decent players traded (Will Witherspoon, Gaines Adams), but no major deals were made.  With the uncapped season just over the horizon, teams were hesitant to make a move.

But with that in mind, I felt like it was a good time to take a look at the top players in the NFL.  So, without further ado, here are JVZ's Post Trade Deadline NFL Awards.

Most Valuable Player

Peyton Manning, Colts: Manning is on pace for his best season as a pro, and he has done it without many of his favourite targets.  Without Marvin Harrison and Anthony Gonzalez, Manning has put up a 73 % completion percentage, with 12 TDs and only 4 INTs.  With the Rams on the slate for this week, he should only add to these totals.  30 TDs and over 4500 yards are certainly within reason for Manning.  By the way, if Manning were to win the MVP award, he would be the first player since the AFL-NFL Merger to win four MVP awards.

Runners Up: Drew Brees, Saints; Brett Favre, Vikings; Matt Schaub, Texans

Offensive Surprise of the Year

Ray Rice, Ravens: The pint-sized runner from Rutgers has taken over the starting job in Baltimore, and has literally ran with it. He has overtaken Willis McGahee on the depth chart, with his quick speed, tough running style, and his ability to make plays as a receiver out of the backfield.  He currently leads all NFL players in total yards with 776, and has four TDs to boot.  All of this while spending the first five weeks as a "back up."

Runners Up: Matt Schaub, Texans; Cedric Benson, Bengals; Steve Smith, Giants

Defensive Surprise of the Year

The Denver Broncos: In previous years, they were a mess.  They had too many former Browns, and they couldn't stop anyone.  In the offseason, they brought in new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, and now the defence is ranked #1 in the league.  Elvis Dumervil leads the way with 10 sacks, and D.J. Williams has come into his own as a middle linebacker.  They have some tough tasks ahead, but the Broncos are undefeated because of this defence.

Runners Up: Antwan Odom, Bengals; Darren Sharper, Saints; Jairus Byrd, Bills

Best Offseason Pickup

Darren Sharper, Saints: This defence was not good a year ago.  Now it is among the league's best.  Why, just look to the signing of Darren Sharper.  Most teams thought he was done, but there are few better free safeties in the league.  He flies to the ball, and has great hands, as shown by his 5 INTs.  The Saints will need more of the same from Sharper if they hope to make a deep playoff run this season.

Runners Up: Jay Cutler, Bears; Brett Favre, Vikings; Kyle Orton, Broncos

Worst Offseason Pickup

Terrell Owens, Bills: This was supposed to be the piece that pushed the Bills to the playoffs.  In six games, Owens has been a non-factor.  This has much to do with the quarterback play, but Owens has still had problems with drops.  The potential is still there, but they got to throw him the ball more.

Runners Up: Albert Haynesworth, Redskins; Derrick Ward, Buccaneers;

Coach Of The Year

Josh McDaniels, Broncos: There has been no one better.  Everyone wanted his head after he got rid of Jay Cutler and almost exiled Brandon Marshall as well.  Now, the Broncos are 6-0, and McDaniels got a victory over his mentor Bill Belichick.  He is young, brash and cocky, but this has worked thusfar.  Now his task will be to avoid the letdown that the Broncos fell into a year ago, dropping a four game lead in the AFC West and missing the playoffs after a 8-4 start.

Game Of The Year

Denver 34, San Diego 23 (Week 6): This epic Monday Nighter was filled with excitement.  Eddie Royal became only the 11th player in NFL History to get both a kick return and punt return for a touchdown in the same game.  Also, Darren Sproles returned a punt of his own for a touchdown.  It came down to a huge fourth down stand, and the Broncos got a 3.5 game lead in the AFC West.

Runner Up: Minnesota/Green Bay; Buffalo/New England

All in all, the year has been very exciting thusfar.

More to come, as there are still 11 weeks to go.