As we enter Week 9, we’ve officially reached the halfway point of the season. With awards chatter heating up across social media, I figured I’d throw in my two cents on who I believe deserves each honor.
DROY – Jihaad Campbell
How do we keep letting Howie get away with this?
There haven’t been any elite defensive rookies so far — which isn’t unusual, given the learning curve on that side of the ball — but Jihaad has been a standout. Filling in for Dean, he’s been nothing short of spectacular: 45 tackles, a missed tackle rate of just 4%, a 23-yard interception return, and allowing a subpar 77 QBR when targeted.
At only 21 years old, he consistently finds himself in the right place at the right time, playing with the instincts of a seasoned veteran. He’s got all the makings of a long-term star in this league.
OROY – Emeka Egbuka
Yes, Dart has been solid. But Egbuka? He’s been special.
He’s currently on pace for 1,195 yards on 73 catches, with 11 touchdowns. That’s far more than just “fine.” His route running is pure artistry — each release from the line leaves a trail of footsteps like brushstrokes on a canvas. He’s not just catching passes; he’s fueling Baker’s MVP campaign as the Bucs sail into the cold seas of winter.
DPOY – Myles Garrett
Among elite pass rushers — Parsons, Hutchinson, Crosby, Watt — one man stands alone in his own tier: “The Myles Garrett Tier.”
Let’s start with the numbers. He’s tied for first in sacks, boasts a perfect 0.0% missed tackle rate, and passes every eye test imaginable. His dominance against the Patriots singlehandedly kept them in the game, and he played a pivotal role in derailing the Packers’ game plan in Week 3.
Garrett doesn’t just play defense — he imposes it.
OPOY – Jonathan Taylor
This isn’t a debate. It’s a coronation.
Jonathan Taylor has four games this season with three touchdowns apiece. The Colts are 7-1, and he’s the engine behind that success. If the MVP weren’t an unofficial QB-only award, he’d be my frontrunner.
Personally, I’m loving the resurgence of dominant running backs shifting the course of a season. Between JT this year and Saquon last year, we’re watching the return of real ground-and-pound football. I’m here for it.
MVP – Patrick Mahomes
“Dread it, run from it, destiny arrives all the same.” – Thanos
Call me an “unbearable glazer” if you want. What I know is this: Mahomes leads the league in total touchdowns (21), ranks second in passing yards (2,099), and has won five of his last six games.
He’s done all this while throwing to a below-average receiving corps, headlined by a tight end who seems more focused on being PR for his billionaire fiancée (and honestly, I get it — I’d be planning my retirement too).
Consider this: Tyquan Thornton had a career high of 247 receiving yards in all of 2022. This year? He’s already at 311 through eight games. Speaking of 2022 — remember who won that MVP?
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