The NFL's Elite: Third Quarter Award Winners

Three quarters of the way into the NFL season, and it's time to hand out my three-fourths of the year awards.

MVP

Michael Turner, RB Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan may get all the publicity, but Turner has been flat out nuts for the Falcons in 2008.  He has over 1,200 yards, and is tied for the league lead with 13 touchdowns.  Most importantly, the Falcons are in the playoff hunt.

Honorable Mention:  Kurt Warner, QB Arizona Cardinals;  Drew Brees, QB New Orleans Saints;  Jay Cutler, QB Denver Broncos; Adrian Peterson, RB Minnesota Vikings

Offensive Player of the Year

Drew Brees, QB New Orleans Saints

Brees has had a great season that has seen its fair share of ups and downs, but the stats do not lie.  The Saints quarterback has thrown for 3,870 yards and 24 touchdowns with four games still to play.

Honorable Mention:  Anquan Boldin, WR Arizona Cardinals;  Philip Rivers, QB San Diego Chargers;  Adrian Peterson, RB Minnesota Vikings

Defensive MVP

James Harrison, LB Pittsburgh Steelers

How could you argue against Harrison?  He is the best player on arguably the best defense.  He has 80 tackles, 14.0 sacks, six forced fumbles, an interception, and a safety.  This guy is an absolute beast.

Honorable Mention:  Albert Haynesworth, DT Tennessee Titans;  Kris Jenkins, DT New York Jets;  DeMarcus Ware, OLB Dallas Cowboys;  Troy Polamalu, S Pittsburgh Steelers

Comeback Player of the Year

Kurt Warner, QB Arizona Cardinals

Many people will say this award should go to Kerry Collins, and it may, but no team has carried a group of players like Kurt Warner.  Not only is he dominating on the field (3,741 yards, 24 touchdowns) but the Cardinals are on their way to their first division title of this decade.

Honorable Mention:  Kerry Collins, QB Tennessee Titans;  Chad Pennington, QB Miami Dolphins

Rookie of the Year

Ryan Clady, T Denver Broncos

No rookie has dominated quite like Clady.  The 12th pick out of Boise State has given up 0.5 sacks in 12 games for the Broncos, and has helped lead Denver to the most potent offense in the AFC.  He doesn't get it done as flashy as other rookies, but Clady is the best of this great young bunch.

Honorable Mention:  Matt Ryan, QB Atlanta Falcons;  Chris Johnson, RB Tennessee Titans;  Matt Forte, RB Chicago Bears;  Joe Flacco, QB Delaware;  Steve Slaton, RB Houston Texans;  Eddie Royal, WR Denver Broncos 

Defensive Rookie of the Year

Jerod Mayo, LB New England Patriots

To be honest, outside of Mayo this is a fairly weak class of defensive rookies as far as immediate production.  Mayo is closing in on 100 tackles and has been a great addition for the Patriots.  His 96 tackles rank first among NFL rookies.

Coach of the Year

Jeff Fisher, Tennessee Titans

Fisher and the Titans have been simply outstanding in 2008.  Going from worst to first in what was supposed to be one of the best divisions in the NFL this season, the Titans have raised some eyebrows.  Fisher deserves much of this credit, and should get this award.

Honorable Mention:  Tom Coughlin, New York Giants;  Eric Mangini, New York Jets;  Tony Sparano, Miami Dolphins;  Mike Shanahan, Denver Broncos;  Mike Smith, Atlanta Falcons