offGrid NFL 2023 Mid-Season Awards
As we pass the halfway point in the NFL Regular Season, eight writers from the offGrid NFL team have taken a vote on who we believe is worthy of the awards at the halfway point.
Most Valuable Player (MVP) – Jalen Hurts
2nd Place: Lamar Jackson, Joint 3rd: Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow
With 4 Votes, Jalen Hurts takes the mid-season crown with 15 Passing Touchdowns and 7 Rushing through 9 games. Hurts has led the Eagles to a 8-1 record priming the team for another playoff run.
On current pace Hurts will end with a combined passing and rushing 5,030 yards and 41 Touchdowns and will continue to hear his name in the MVP race.
Offensive Player of the Year (OPOY) – Tyreek Hill
2nd Place: Christian McCaffrey, 3rd Place: AJ Brown
On track to be the first receiver to pass 2,000 yards in a season, Hill comfortably takes home the OPOY award at the mid-season point despite a phenomenal Touchdown streak from McCaffrey which only earns him 2nd place. This award is firmly up for grabs heading into the second half of the season.
Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) – Myles Garrett
2nd Place: T.J. Watt
Myles Garrett was nearly a unanimous pick for this award. Earning 7 of 8 votes. Garrett has been a force this season with 9.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles, he has been the main man on a defence carrying this team to a 5-3 record.
Offensive Rookie of the Year (OROY) – CJ Stroud
2nd Place: Puka Nacua
Another near unanimous pick. Stroud is currently looking like the best rookie Quarterback to enter the league since Andrew Luck. It’s hard to see him not winning OROY at this point and if he continues on his current trajectory could even force himself into MVP consideration come the season end. If Stroud was able to pull it off he would be the first rookie since 1957 to win MVP.
Defensive Rookie of the Year (DROY) – Devon Witherspoon
Joint 2nd Place: Jalen Carter, Brian Branch
A very split vote for the DROY award, with Witherspoon pipping Branch and Carter. Despite being an award historically reserved for Defensive lineman and linebackers. Witherspoon could be the beneficiary of a changing league landscape and become the 4th Cornerback to win the award since 1998.
Comeback Player of the Year (CPOY) – Tua Tagovailoa
2nd Place: Breece Hall, 3rd Place: Damar Hamlin
Maybe the biggest surprise of the awards is Hamlin coming in 3rd place. Odds on him winning have shortened and Tua looks primed to steal this award barring another injury.
Coach of the Year (COY) – Mike McDaniel
2nd Place: DeMeco Ryans, 3rd Place: Dan Campbell, Robert Saleh
The most split award on the ballot with Mike McDaniel topping the voting, this award will come firmly down to how teams finish this season. McDaniel currently has created one of the most explosive and exciting offences the league has seen however the Dolphins seem to splutter against more formidable opposition whilst Ryans, hot on his tail has managed to turn around the 2nd worse team from a year ago to a .500 record filled with exciting young players.