Offensive MVP-Gardner Minshew-on too many levels to delineate here, had anyone told me in July I would be typing this after four weeks, I’d either laugh or weep uncontrollably. But Minshew has been way more than anyone could have reasonably expected. In fact, going into the season, I would have been happy with Foles’ performance had everything remained the same. After the Denver game, he has a 69.4 % completion percentage and a 7-1 TD-INT ratio. That TD/INT ratio SHOULD be 9-0 because he had Westbrook drop a TD, had another TD called back due to penalty, and the INT was not his fault. I don’t know if that level of performance for a rookie is sustainable longer term, but as it stands now, he is the offensive MVP. After the Foles injury, I thought our season was all but over. But if Minshew actually continues his level of play, we should be in the thick of the hunt in late November and December.
Defensive MVP-Calais Campbell-Campbell has proven to be the best big ticket free agent signing in team history, and he can sustain this level of play the next year or two here, will be possibly the best defensive lineman in team history and worthy of inclusion into the Pride. His dominant takeover of the tack game was a beautiful sight to behold.
Special teams MVP-Andrew Wingard and Leon Jacobs. This is not a knock on Lambo or Cook, both of whom have performed quite well for us. But Wingard and Jacobs collaborated on the play that put us in control of the Titans game. On a first quarter punt, Wingard forced Adoree Jackson to fumble the punt he already misplayed, and Jacobs recovered it deep in tack territory. That play gave the momentum to the Jaguars early in the game and the tacks never recovered, and was the catalyst to the nine sack performance by the defense. In fact, given the circumstances going into the game (0-2 start, controversial week 2 loss, Ramsey requesting a trade, national TV game against a rival against whom we’ve had lots of trouble), Wingard and Jacobs may have saved the season.
Most improved player-hands down, that player is D.J. Chark. In his rookie year, Chark finished with 14 receptions for 174 yards, zero TDs, a key TD drop and a fumble. He seemed to be a glorified punt gunner-like a more highly drafted and faster Kassim Osgood. However, this year, under McCardell’s coaching, Foles and Minshew’s QBing, and DeFilippo’s playcalls, Chark is flourishing so far. He is on pace for 76 -1284 yards and 12 TDs. His 2018 draft mate Taven Bryan also warrants consideration.
Best Newcomer-offense- Minshew is likely going to monopolize many of these awards, so for variety’s sake, I offer someone a little different. I am not sure if he counts as a newcomer or not, but my vote goes for Will Richardson. He gave us a good opening day start at LT, and after struggling in Houston, he moved back inside to RG where he got spot suty in against Denver and played very well. It would not surprise me to see him start against Carolina. If he doesn’t count, then Conley gets the nod. He’s had some good catches for us, including a key reception in the game winning drive against Denver.
Most pleasant surprise/offense-Minshew.
Best Offensive performance-Leonard fournette v. Denver. What a dominant performance by the big man after much vilification from the team, fans, and media. His 225 yards was the second best rushing performance in team history behind FT.
Best Newcomer/Defense: This is harder than I thought it would be. I tentatively give my vote to Josh Allen, who has two and a half sacks (had his very first sack and FF taken away by Jack’s meltdown in week 1) a forced fumble and a few pressures. However, I think Quincy Williams warrants legitimate consideration here. I think the team has been a little better against the run this year, and that is in large part due to Williams. His hit against Houston was classic!
Best performance/Defense-Calais Campbell v. Tennessee. Was absolutely unblockable. Had 3 sacks, several pressures, and was disruptive against the run against a strong running attack. Jalen Ramsey’s performance against Houston would warrant more consideration where he shut down D. Hopkins, but given his blowup with Marrone that was a catalyst to the current trade request, he loses points for that.
Offensive Play of the quarter-Minshew’s TD pass to Ryquell Armstead vs. Denver. Showed amazing pocket presence and poise. I almost screamed for him to get rid of the ball, because plenty have gotten sacked and fumbled in a similar situation. Instead, he stayed alive and found Armstead-of ALL people.
Defensive play of the quarter-Ronnie Harrison’s INT vs. Denver. Recording the first turnover of the year, Harrison’s late first half INT against Denver turned the game around. But for his pick, I don’t think we win the game.
Most Disappointing player-Offense-I could say Foles due to the injury, but he threw a TD and kept us within early range of KC. I could say Cann and such a nomination would get a lot of support, but considering there wasn’t too much expectation for Cann coming into the season, it doesn’t surprise too many people he isn’t playing well. If anything, I’d say DeDe Westbrook is the choice here. Based upon what we saw in the preseason and the injuries to the TEs, many figured Westbrook would play a huge role in the offense serving as Foles’ security blanket over the middle from the slot. But it hasn’t materialized for various reasons. First, and perhaps most importantly, D.J. Chark has developed into a good outside threat. Secondly, they have utilized Fournette more in the passing game. Furthermore, Westbrook’s poor performance against Tennessee didn’t help. (Subquestion: What is it with Westbrook against Tennessee? Back in 2017, he dropped what would have been a sure TD which would have been the winning points against them, now this past game.) But Westbrook is a good player and there is still plenty of time for him to have a big year.
Most disappointing player/Defense-Jalen Ramsey. Any time a player as talented as Ramsey has a blow up at the head coach mid game and then requests a trade, that is going to disappoint the fans. If you base it purely on performance, it goes to Ngakoue. Yes, he has been hindered some by a hamstring injury, but he has yet to record a sack in a contract year. I wonder if the tweaks to the scheme introduced by Capers has somehow been a negative factor. Nevertheless, his performance to date is not helping him get the monster deal he was pushing for this summer.
Worst to 1st. Curse Reversed!
