Based on the first 9 weeks of the season, here are my mid-season awards for the 2008 NFL season.
Rookie Of The Year - Matt Ryan - QB/Atlanta
The QB out of Boston College has done what most thought was impossible by leading the Falcons to a 5-3 record and raising thoughts of a playoff berth. Michael Who?
Stats - Passing: 1661 yds, 9 TD and 5 int
Others under consideration: Chris Johnson (RB/Tennessee)
Offensive MVP - Clinton Portis - RB/Washington
Portis has transformed his game from a slasher back that can hit the big homerun in Denver to a crushing power-back in D.C with a league leading 995 yards on 200 carries. He has 5 straight games with over 120 yards. At times Portis has put the team on his shoulders and willed them to victory. He has allowed QB Jason Campbell to relax and not have to win the game by himself or turn the ball over(only 2 interceptions-both in week 9).
Stats - 200 carries, 995 yds, 5.0 avg, 110yd/game, 7 TD, 18 receptions for 150 yds
Others under consideration: Kurt Warner (QB/Arizona), Drew Brees (QB/New Orleans), Tony Romo (QB/Dallas)
Defensive MVP - Albert Haynesworth (DT/Tennessee)
Tennessee lost starting defensive lineman, Travis LeBoy and Antwan Odom in the offseason yet Haynesworth still has Tennessee ranked in the top 5 for total defense giving up 284.6 yds/game and an undefeated record of 8-0. He is always in the offense's backfield disrupting play after play. Without Haynesworth, this team would not be where it is today. He will be one of the top free agents available in 2009, if not the top.
Stats - 29 tackles, 6 sacks
Others under consideration: James Harrison (LB/Pittsburgh)
Coach of the Year - Jeff Fischer (HC/Tennessee)
Fischer has put together an undefeated season so far without their franchise QB whom was "on leave" for what basically amounts to a mental breakdown, no top flight receiver, and what was once considered a questionable running game. The Titans play tough defense, have a vet QB that manages the game and a dynamite running back combination comprised of 1st round rookie Chris Johnson (4th in the league in rushing with 715 yds) and Hostess spokesman LenDale White (league leading rushing 10 TD)
Others under consideration - are you kidding? no one.
Fantasy MVP - Drew Brees (QB/New Orleans)
Brees has been pouring on the stats in 2008 surpassing all 3 QB's (Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Tony Romo) that were usually drafted ahead of him. He has 6 games (out of 8) with over 300 yards with one of them being over 400. If he keeps up his pace, he could shatter Dan Marino's single season passing yardage record of 5,084. He has done all of this with his #1 receiver, running back, and tight end hurt for most of the season.
Stats - 210/304 (69.1%), 2563 yds, 15 TD, 7 INT
Others under consideration: Kurt Warner (QB/Arizona)
All-Fantasy Team
QB: Drew Brees - New Orleans Saints
RB: Clinton Portis - Washington Redskins
RB: Adrian Peterson - Minnesota Vikings
WR: Andre Johnson - Houston Texans
WR: Roddy White - Atlanta Falcons
TE: Jason Witten - Dallas Cowboys
K: John Carney - New York Giants
DEF:Pittsburgh Steelers