Picks for NFL honors of the 2021-2022 season

As the NFL regular season winds down to a close, I am a look at who has been dominant in the league and my predictions for who should take the awards. Coach of the Year: Bill Belichick, New England Patriots

Bill Belichick has proven year after year why he is considered one of the greatest coaches of all time. Two years after the departure of Tom Brady to Tampa Bay, Belichick has led this team to the playoffs after a 9-7 year with Cam Newton, missing the playoffs for the first time since Brady tore his ACL in the 2008 season. With the additions of Matthew Judon, Mac Jones, and a few others, he turned it into one of the most feared teams in the league. While not having won the division title this year due to a loss to Buffalo, I still think he has earned the title to tie Don Shula for all time in Coach of the Year awards. Offensive Player of the Year: Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams

This was a tough decision between either him or Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts. But with the addition of former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, Kupp’s efficiency has skyrocketed with 145 receptions, 1,945 receiving yards, and 16 receiving touchdowns. He became the fourth receiver since 1970 to get the triple crown. Steve Smith (2005), Shannon Sharpe (1992), and Jerry Rice (1990) are the others.With him being the 3rd round in the 2017 NFL Draft, he was the steal of the draft, but we’ll see if he can keep up the progress in the 2022 season. Defensive Player of the Year: TJ Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers

Like with the offensive player of the year, I had a tough time deciding between Watt and Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons. But with TJ Watt tying Michael Strahan for the NFL record for most sacks in a season with 22.5, it was hard to ignore. Like his brother, JJ Watt, TJ has been working to be one of the most feared defenders in the league. His explosiveness and elusiveness are starting to become a problem for offensive lines everywhere, so we’ll see if he can get to that record mark next season. Offensive Rookie of the Year: Mac Jones, New England Patriots

Former Alabama quarterback Mac Jones, while having some struggles, still improved from his time working with Nick Saban. He set the record previously held by Dak Prescott for competition percentage (69.2%). While his deep passing has not been ideal, his passing within 10 yards has been Brady-like, from what we’ve seen from New England. If he stays with the Patriots and Belichick, Mac will be one of the top quarterbacks in the league. I truly believe that McDaniels and Belichick will do their best to ensure that Mac makes the best out of his career. Defensive Rookie of the Year: Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys

Micah Parsons was one of the most sought after commodities in this years draft class with being one of the most skilled at his position. His ability to get in the backfield is unmatched with 79 tackles and 13 sacks recorded. I see him being a future defensive player of the year if given time. With the way the Cowboys have built that team in more of a defensive focused mindset, Micah will surely step up and be the leader the Cowboys need him to be. MVP: Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers is one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the league right now. Having thrown for at least 4000 passing yards other than the 2017 season when he broke his collarbone. The 3 time NFL MVP has always done the best he can to lead Green Bay to playoff hopes. But with him possibly leaving he is showing other teams that he can still do it at a late age. A passer rating of 111.32 for the season is one of the most impressive things he’s done this season, with COVID tearing thru the league, he hasn’t had the same crew around him all season. But to still get the Packers to the playoffs with the #1 seed, I think Rodgers is deserving of an 4th MVP.