The New England Patriots’ bye week conveniently falls at the midway point of the 2016 season, giving players some much-needed rest and the media time to write up some midseason awards.
Here’s who stood out, positively and negatively, through eight games.
MIDSEASON MVP: Tom Brady, Quarterback
Brady is 39 years old and having the best season of his life. He could win the NFL MVP despite missing four games to a suspension. He’s thrown for 12 touchdowns with no interceptions and has a 133.9 passer rating, which would be the best in NFL history if the season ended Wednesday. So yeah, he’s the MVP so far despite only playing four games.
MIDSEASON OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Rob Gronkowski, tight end
Just to switch things up, let’s give the OPOY award to Gronk, who, like Brady, only really has produced statistically in four games. Based on those four games, however, he’s on pace for 63 catches for 1,419 yards with nine touchdowns. He also leads the NFL with 22 yards per reception and has provided quality blocking.
MIDSEASON DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Devin McCourty, free safety
This was one of the most difficult awards to pick. It came down to cornerback Malcolm Butler, linebacker Dont’a Hightower and McCourty.
Hightower missed games to injury and Butler didn’t start the season as strong as he’s played in recent weeks. McCourty is an elite free safety, and he’s played consistently well in deep and man coverage this season. He’s one of the primary reasons why the Patriots are one of two teams who only have allowed one 40-plus-yard reception on the season.
MIDSEASON ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Joe Thuney, offensive guard
In another week or so, this could go to linebacker Elandon Roberts, who is expected to take over Jamie Collins’ early-down linebacker role. Thuney has been a solid presence as the Patriots’ starting left guard, especially as a run blocker.
MIDSEASON POSITIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR: Dante Scarnecchia, Offensive line coach
New England’s offensive line isn’t perfect, but the following two superlatives show Scarnecchia’s impact as he returns from a two-year retirement.
MOST IMPROVED: Cameron Fleming, offensive tackle
Fleming began the 2015 season on the practice squad and has made gradual improvements to the point where he proved to be a dependable swing tackle in two games this season. He filled in for Nate Solder at left tackle and Marcus Cannon at right tackle and played well at both positions.
BIGGEST SURPRISE: Marcus Cannon, offensive tackle
Cannon lost a bunch of weight over the offseason, and now he’s been the Patriots’ best pass blocker so far this season.
Cannon has had some issues in the run game, but he’s played far beyond his expectations as New England’s starting right tackle.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: Cyrus Jones, Cornerback
This probably would have been kicker Stephen Gostkowski if he wasn’t a perfect 7-of-7 kicking in the Patriots’ Week 8 win in Buffalo. Jones has been a healthy scratch for three weeks since being ejected from the Patriots’ Week 5 win over the Cleveland Browns. He was making errors on special teams and allowed a touchdown on defense even before being booted from a game.
BEST OFFSEASON ADDITION: Martellus Bennett, tight end
This was a close race between Bennett and wide receiver Chris Hogan. Bennett has 31 catches on 40 targets for 402 yards with four touchdowns, while Hogan has 19 catches for 391 catches with two touchdowns. Bennett’s contributions as a blocker give him the slight edge.
Thumbnail photo via Stew Milne/USA TODAY Sports Images
