Super Bowl LVIII: NFL Honors Recap
Before the highly anticipated Super Bowl LVIII between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, the NFL celebrated its best players and coaches at the Resorts World Theatre for Thursday’s NFL Honors. Let’s take a look at the winners and why they took home these prestigious awards.
MVP: Lamar Jackson | QB | Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson secured his second MVP award after leading the Baltimore Ravens to a 13-4 record. Jackson joined an elite group of players, including Jim Brown, Kurt Warner, Brett Favre, and Patrick Mahomes, as the fifth player to win multiple MVP awards in their first six seasons in the league. Jackson excelled as a dual-threat quarterback, ranking in the top 10 in Total QBR, yards per pass attempt, and touchdown-to-interception ratio. He also led the NFL in yards per rush, showcasing his exceptional athleticism.
Offensive Player of the Year: Christian McCaffrey | RB | San Francisco 49ers
Christian McCaffrey had a remarkable season, leading the NFL in various categories such as scrimmage yards per game, scrimmage touchdowns, rushing yards, first downs, and 10-plus yard runs. His outstanding performance earned him a Pro Bowl berth and first-team AP All Pro honors. McCaffrey’s versatility and work ethic were praised by Niners coach Kyle Shanahan, who described him as one of the most talented players in the league.
Defensive Player of the Year: Myles Garrett | DE | Cleveland Browns
Myles Garrett finally captured his first NFL Defensive Player of the Year honor after several years of contention. Despite ranking seventh in sacks, Garrett played a pivotal role in leading the Browns to the league’s best regular-season defense. The Browns topped the charts in defensive efficiency, yards per game allowed, and three-and-out rate. Garrett’s impact extended beyond his sack numbers, as he excelled in pass rush win rate despite facing a high double-team rate.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: C.J. Stroud | QB | Houston Texans
C.J. Stroud made a significant impact in his rookie season, setting numerous records and leading the Texans to a divisional title. He became the first quarterback drafted in the top two of the draft since 1967 to win a playoff game in his rookie season. Stroud’s impressive stats included the most pass attempts without an interception to start a career and the highest touchdown-to-interception ratio in the league. He finished the regular season with the third-most passing yards for a rookie.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Will Anderson Jr. | DE | Houston Texans
Will Anderson Jr. made an immediate impact for the Texans, showcasing his ability to change the culture of the team. Despite suffering an ankle injury that caused him to miss two games, Anderson recorded seven sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and 22 QB hits. He ranked highly in pass rush win rate and run-stop win rate, solidifying his presence in both the pass rush and run defense.
Coach of the Year: Kevin Stefanski | Cleveland Browns
Kevin Stefanski led the Cleveland Browns to their first playoff appearance since 2020, despite facing numerous challenges throughout the season. The Browns dealt with injuries to key players, including quarterback Deshaun Watson and running back Nick Chubb. Stefanski’s leadership and ability to navigate adversity impressed the team’s general manager, who praised him for guiding the Browns to an 11-6 record and setting a franchise record for winning scores in the final two minutes of regulation.
Comeback Player of the Year: Joe Flacco | QB | Cleveland Browns
Joe Flacco, a former Super Bowl MVP, had an unexpected opportunity to showcase his skills after signing with the Cleveland Browns mid-season. Flacco made history by becoming the first quarterback to throw for over 250 yards and multiple touchdowns in his first five games with a new team. His contributions helped the Browns secure four consecutive wins and clinch a playoff berth. Flacco expressed his gratitude for the chance to be part of the team and contribute to their success.