Another NFL season has come and gone and the New England Patriots once again find themselves in the playoffs. Despite an up and down year that saw the team miss out on a first round bye, there was still plenty to be happy about. Several players stepped up and had excellent seasons. Like last year, the awards being given out are MVP, Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year, Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year, and Comeback Player of the Year. With that being said let’s dive into this year’s New England Patriots regular season awards.
Awards for the New England Patriots 2019 Regular Season
MVP: Stephon Gilmore
The story of the Patriots season in 2019 was the defense. The leader of this elite unit was of course cornerback Stephon Gilmore. Gilmore turned in a dominant season in which he finished tied for the league lead with six interceptions while allowing an opposing passer rating of 43.4 which is just slightly better than what it would be if the quarterback simply spiked the ball on every play. In addition to these numbers, two of his six interceptions went for touchdowns. The utter dominance by Gilmore hasn’t gone unnoticed as he has garnered some buzz for NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Gilmore was the definition of a lockdown corner in 2019 and that is why he finds himself as the regular season MVP for the Patriots.
Offensive Player of the Year: Julian Edelman
Julian Edelman, the winner of my Comeback Player of the Year in 2019, moves up the ladder by being the Patriots Offensive Player of the Year in 2019. The Patriots offense was downright terrible at times this year, however Edelman was able to elevate his play and have an excellent season. He hauled in 100 catches for 1117 yards and six touchdowns. Edelman’s 100 catches were good for the second most of his career and his 1117 yards were a career high. Despite dealing with shoulder and knee injuries all season Edelman suited up in all sixteen games for the Patriots and was by far their most productive offensive player. His ability to step up and carry his team for stretches is why he is the team’s Offensive Player of the year in 2019.
Defensive Player of the Year: Kyle Van Noy
This award could’ve easily gone to Gilmore, but for the sake a variety it’ll go to another player on the defense who played well in 2019, linebacker Kyle Van Noy. Van Noy was a true anchor on defense for the Patriots, being both a vocal leader and an elite linebacker. He forced three fumbles, a career high, as well as posting 6.5 sacks, also a career high. His best performance of the season came in Week 4 against the Buffalo Bills. Van Noy tallied two sacks and forced two fumbles in the contest. Van Noy was a difference maker all season, wrecking havoc on opposing offenses and that is why he is taking home the team’s Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2019.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Jakobi Meyers
This category was probably the toughest of the bunch. No rookie on offense really established themself as a go to player. With that being said the one rookie on offense who did the most was receiver Jakobi Meyers. Meyers had a somewhat limited role in the New England offense only making 26 catches on the season. However he averaged nearly fourteen yards per reception and picked up seventeen first downs. His ability to move the chains for the offense can’t be undersold in a year when the team struggled to move the chains as a group. Meyers was unable to find the end zone as a rookie, but he was still able to be productive and was the most consistent rookie on offense throughout the season.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Chase Winovich
Picking a rookie that stood out on defense this year was much easier than picking one on offense. Chase Winovich had an outstanding rookie campaign, making an impact on both defense and special teams. He found the end zone once as a rookie when he returned a blocked punt for a touchdown against the New York Giants in Week 6. As far as defensive accomplishments, Winovich tallied 5.5 sacks this season. He excelled in his role as a situational pass rusher as evidenced by the sack total as well as his ten quarterback hits. The scouting report on Winovich coming out of Michigan was that he had an incredibly high motor, and that was proven true by his play in 2019.
Comeback Player of the Year: Jamie Collins
Typically a Comeback Player of the Year Award would go to a player coming off of a season ending injury. However the Patriots didn’t have many of those coming into the 2019 season, so instead the award will be given to a player who made an impact upon his return to the Patriots, Jamie Collins. Collins returned to New England after a brief stint in Cleveland. He immediately made an impact upon his return to the Patriots putting up excellent numbers. Collins racked up seven sacks as well as three forced fumbles and three interceptions. He was everywhere on defense and was one of the most dynamic players on a unit that was one of the NFL’s best in 2019. After being traded to Cleveland, Collins returned with a bang for the Patriots in 2019 and for that he is the 2019 Comeback Player of the Year.
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