In every corner of the pro football world, fans can agree: this NFL season has been wild. With over 50 quarterbacks making the start this season due to benchings and injuries, the league has been chaotic, with the playoff picture changing from week to week.
That said, the season is almost over, and the time is ripe to make predictions for the 2023 NFL Honors. So, without further ado…
MVP: Brock Purdy (49ers QB) At this point, the argument that Purdy is a system quarterback buoyed by a squad of offensive All-Pros must be put to rest. Yes, the San Francisco offense is loaded. But someone still needs to throw the ball, and not every quarterback could have adapted to a complex offensive system as seamlessly as Purdy has. With almost 4,000 passing yards and a 29-7 TD-INT ratio, Purdy has the numbers to be taken seriously. And more than that, he plays with heart – his team rallies around him.
Coach of the Year: Mike McDaniel (Dolphins) It’s hard to downplay just what McDaniel has done in Miami. The second-year coach leads a 10-4 team with a +147 point differential. No other team has scored more points, and only one other breaches the 400 mark (the 49ers). Whatever McDaniel is doing, it’s working – and he certainly deserves a COTY nod.
Comeback Player of the Year: Joe Flacco (Browns QB) Since winning the Super Bowl in 2013, Flacco has more or less drifted to the outskirts of the NFL. Brief stints with the Broncos and Jets did him little good. But in just three weeks, Flacco has resuscitated a Cleveland offense that had already cycled through three starting quarterbacks. Having racked up almost a thousand passing yards in less than a month, Flacco looks ready for the postseason and for a satisfying second act in Cleveland.
Offensive Player of the Year: Christian McCaffrey (49ers RB) Known for his aggressive rushing, CMC is establishing himself as an all-purpose back: This year, he’s tagged 57 receptions on just 68 targets for over 500 yards. McCaffrey is the workhorse of the 49ers offense, and he is almost impossible to tackle. His acceleration allows him to break from the pack for chunk plays and long touchdowns, making him a changemaker in every game.
Defensive Player of the Year: Myles Garret (Browns DE) Myles Garrett has been absolutely crucial for the 2023 Browns squad. Garrett has essentially saved multiple Browns games, and he has been a playmaker in every contest. This year, it’s difficult to think of a defensive player who has had more of an impact than Garrett.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Puka Nacua (Rams WR) Cooper Kupp is no longer the only star wideout on the Rams’ offense. Puka Nacua has excelled at making big plays, and he has racked up the sixth-highest receiving yards tally in the NFL. Though he might be in competition with C.J. Stroud, Nacua has stayed healthy, and thus has been able to make an impact in more games.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Brian Branch (Lions DB) Branch has made big plays for the Lions, and he has helped the team’s defense to stiffen up against powerful offenses. Christian Gonzalez (Patriots CB) may have been a candidate, but given his injury quite early in the season, Branch will likely get the nod.
In short: With three weeks still remaining in a chaotic NFL season, these predictions remain precarious. Still, the NFL’s stars are shining as they do each year – to the delight of their fans, and the chagrin of their opponents.
