Christmas is right around the corner, and the NFL regular season is almost finished just in time for the holidays.
In week 16, the NFL experienced great performances from QBs such as Tony Romo, Russell Wilson, Matt Ryan, Ben Roethlisberger, Eli Manning, Ryan Tannehill, and more. The Cowboys clinched their first playoff spot since 2009, with an MVP like season from Romo, the Chargers pulled off an improbable comeback victory against San Francisco to keep their playoff hopes alive, the Bengals shocked the Broncos on primetime, Marshawn Lynch gave us Beast Quake part 2, J.J. Watt continued his historically dominant season, only 2 playoff spots remain (NFC South and 2nd AFC Wild Card), the Patriots clinched home field advantage, and much more.
Deck the halls with NFL Week 16 Awards.
Best QB: Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks)
This hasn’t been Russell Wilson’s best season, as he’s had some struggles without key set pieces like Golden Tate to throw his deep balls, but he’s made the most of it with a top 10 like season.
On Sunday night against the Cardinals, Wilson had his best game of the season by far. We saw more of Wilson’s deep ball than at any point of the season, including a textbook 80-yard strike to tight end Luke Willson. Russ was also in complete control of his scrambling abilities, rushing for 88 yards and a touchdown, including a 55 yard run. His touchdown run was beautifully executed, as he made something out of nothing and turn what looked like a loss into a touchdown.
Wilson finished 20/31 for 339 yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, a 122.9 rate and a 96.0 QBR. Seattle destroyed Arizona 35-6
Honorable Mentions: Tony Romo, Matt Ryan, Ryan Tannehill, Ben Roethlisberger
Best RB: Marshawn Lynch (Seattle Seahawks)
One of the 5 best running backs in today’s NFL, Marshawn Lynch has been greatness since the 2010 playoffs. And on Sunday Night, Lynch showed everyone exactly why he’s ‘bout that action.
Lynch showed textbook cutting and raw power on Sunday, highlighted by his 79-yard touchdown run, where everyone that tried to tackle him missed badly. Beast Mode on that run showed off his running style; what he lacks in speed he makes up in size and strength, acting as a battering ram to the Cardinals secondary as corner Patrick Peterson missed badly on a tackle.
Though Lynch had 3.4 yards per carry on every run excluding the 79 yard TD run, he helped advanced the ball for Wilson to fire some of his patented deep balls for money. In other words, a very standard day for Beast Mode, who finished with 113 yards, a touchdown, and 11.3 yards per carry.
Via Pro Football Focus, Lynch has caused 96 missed tackles this season, a record in the PFF era. The previous record? 86, by Lynch himself (2013). Wow.
Honorable Mentions: Frank Gore, Jeremy Hill, Jonathan Stewart, Eddie Lacy
Best WR: Odell Beckham Jr (New York Giants)
Again, why bother? This isn’t even a contest. Beckham has had better progression in his rookie season than most current wide receivers in the league have ever made.
Winning the award for the 2nd straight week, Beckham was a force against the Rams, gaining separation, running his routes as if he were a seasoned veteran, and doing enough for Eli Manning to spot him.
Beckham Jr’s 2nd TD catch, an 80-yard bomb from Eli (which was a little behind Beckham), was caused by extreme separation from Odell, as he was wide open. It’s one of the many highlights from the rookie this season, one that should end with him becoming Offensive Rookie of the Year. Beckham finished with 8 catches for 148 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 18.5 yards per carry as New York won 37-27.
In 11 games played this season, Beckham has 79 catches for 1,120 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 101.8 yards per game. He’s the first rookie receiver from the excellent 2014 draft class to reach 1,000 yards as well. IN 11 GAMES.
Honorable Mentions: DeSean Jackson, Randall Cobb, Reuben Randle, Jordy Nelson
Best TE: Luke Willson (Seattle Seahawks)
The 2nd “Wilson” to make it on this week’s list, and the third Seahawk overall, Luke Willson played a spectacular game on Sunday Night. Despite not being used much, Willson made the most of it, catching 3 passes for 139 yards (2nd behind Odell Beckham Jr for most receiving yards in week 16) 2 touchdowns, and 18.5 yards per reception, including a sick 80-yard TD catch from Wilson.
Honorable Mentions: Zach Ertz, Charles Clay, Antonio Gates, Jason Witten, Jordan Cameron
Defensive Player of the Week: J.J. Watt (Houston Texans)
This is the FIFTH TIME I have given Watt this award, in case the 0% of NFL fans who think J.J. doesn’t deserve Defensive Player of the Year were wondering.
Watt was brilliant against the Ravens OL, generating much pressure on Joe Flacco and being part of the reason he played so terribly in the first place. With 7 solo tackles, a sack, 3 tackles for a loss, and 4 QB hits, it was another dominating performance from the 4-year veteran defensive end, as Houston got the 25-13 victory to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Watt is a favorite to win the MVP, and though I kind of disagree (I’d place Rodgers and Romo above him), he’d definitely deserve it. He’s having the kind of season few defenders, let alone defensive ends, can even dream of, and he’s got the skill set no one is capable of having in the NFL. We salute J.J. Watt and his greatness.
Best Kicker: Matt Bryant (Atlanta Falcons)
One of the best kickers in the game, Matt Bryant was especially money on Sunday’s 30-14 win against the Saints. He went 3/3 on field goals, including a long of 50, and 3/3 on extra points.
Biggest Upset: Washington Redskins
In a disaster filled season on and off the field, it’s about time Skins fans had something to cheer about, helping knock the Eagles off from playoff contention.
Before the game, I said this would be Jay Gruden’s Super Bowl, and naturally, it was. Mark Sanchez played well enough outside the interception, but, surprisingly, Robert Griffin III (at least briefly) returned to the prime of his 2012 rookie season, throwing accurate deep passes to DeSean Jackson, who had a hell of a game (4 catches for 126 yards and 31.5 yards per carry).
Though Sanchez got most of the blame for losing, Chip Kelly’s conservative playcalling and Cody Parkley’s field goal whiffs were a much bigger cause personally. Philly should’ve let Washington score on their final drive in the red-zone, but instead let the Redskins run the clock down to let Kai Forbath kick a game winning field goal to give Washington the 27-24 shocker and Eagles fans pure heartbreak.
HTTR.
Best Team: Dallas Cowboys
For the first time since 2009, the Cowboys are going to the playoffs, thanks to an offense led by Tony Romo, DeMarco Murray, and Dez Bryant.
Romo was excellent on Sunday, completing 90%, yes, NINETY PERCENT, of his passes for 218 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions for a 151.7 rate and a 99.2 QBR. It was standard Romo, as his mobility and throws were once again above par. Dez Bryant and Jason Witten once again played stellar, and the offensive line of course played another terrific game. Even Brandon Weeden got in on the scoring, throwing a touchdown of his own to Terrence Williams for 43 yards.
Surprisingly, the defense not only held their ground, but destroyed the Colts. Only allowing ONE RUSHING YARD, Dallas put Andrew Luck in a bad position, leading to several bad throws and 2 interceptions. In total, the Cowboys delivered 2 sacks, 7 tackles for a loss, 7 deflected passes, and 6 QB hits, in a 42-7 blowout victory. Jerry Jones has been blamed for many of the Cowboys’ woes, but if there’s one thing he’s done right as owner/GM, it’s stay patient on Jason Garrett. The flaws around the head coach have finally decreased enough for the Cowboys to excel above the competition and clinch the NFC East.
How ‘bout them Cowboys!!!
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