Who have been the Patriots top performers thus far this year? What will the rest of the 2010 season hold? PatsPulpit scribes hand out awards for the first half of the season, and make predictions for the second half.
Best Rookie:
Richard Hill: Devin McCourty
Has played every snap possible. Has played well. While he may not rival Aaron Hernandez in terms of stats, I feel like McCourty's impact is greater.
Mike Dussault: Devin McCourty
Gotten better every week, starting to make plays.
Stephen Verman: Devin McCourty
Not many teams in the NFL can get by when their best cornerback is a rookie. I really like McCourty’s physical style. Even against the Browns when there were some important completions made against him, it was more because of great throws by Colt McCoy than poor coverage. Devin’s fearlessness, dedication and team-first attitude sets the example all Patriots rookies should follow.
Comeback Player:
Richard Hill: Jerod Mayo
Where did he go last year and where has he come from this year?
Mike Dussault: Wes Welker
How could he not be, he really shouldn't even be playing yet if he were a mere mortal recovering from ACL surgery.
Stephen Verman: Jerod Mayo
Mayo was not bad last year, but after eight games this season he is only seven tackles shy of his 2009 total. With all the tackles he’s in on you’d think he could rip the ball out once in a while, but that’s like asking why your winning lottery ticket didn’t come with a free soda.
Offensive MVP
Richard Hill: Aaron Hernandez
He's getting open and making catches. He's Tom Brady's new best friend.
Mike Dussault: Tom Brady
Making the plays when they need them.
Stephen Verman: Tom Brady
It hasn’t always been pretty, but Brady is getting the job done. He’s done a good job of taking care of the ball, and has adjusted his game following the departure of Randy Moss. He’s yet to return to elite form, but that could be coming. Tom is a great cold-weather QB, and all but one (at Detroit) of the Patriots remaining games will be chilly.
Defensive MVP
Richard Hill: Jerod Mayo
He's making plays EVERYWHERE.
Mike Dussault: Vince Wilfork
Plays all over the line, enabling Jerod Mayo to return to tackling machine status.
Stephen Verman: Vince Wilfork
Wilfork has set the tone on defense with his tenacity and willingness to do whatever is asked. He is the anti-Albert Haynesworth. After receiving a big contract he has been even more dedicated and shown great maturity and leadership. If only if he could be cloned and play both NT and DE.
Special Teams MVP
Richard Hill: Tracey White
Playing great special teams and is everywhere near the ball.
Mike Dussault: Brandon Tate
Two returns for TDs has made the Patriots special teams dangerous again.
Stephen Verman: Brandon Tate
Tate is averaging 29.8 yards per kick return, and is tied for the league lead with two touchdowns. The Browns refused to kick to him, which was a wise move. Tracey White also deserves praise, as it would be difficult to perform his role any better than he has.
Player of the (Mid)Season
Richard Hill: Jerod Mayo.
Mike Dussault: Tom Brady
As always, he's the straw stirring the drink.
Stephen Verman: Tom Brady
Tough decision on this one. Mayo and McCourty have been terrific, and Wilfork deserves recognition despite his lack of stats, but Tom is the one who bears the most pressure and responsibility. The Patriots are tied for the best record in the NFL, and he deserves credit for leading them there.
PREDICTIONS:
Patriots regular season record:
Richard Hill: 12-4
Mike Dussault: 12-4
Stephen Verman: 12-4
AFC East Standings:
Richard Hill:
1. Patriots, 12-4
2. Jets, 11-5
3. Dolphins, 8-8
4. Bills, 4-12
Mike Dussault:
1. Patriots, 12-4
2. Jets, 10-6
3. Dolphins, 9-7
4. Bills, 2-14
Stephen Verman:
1. Patriots, 12-4
2. Jets, 11-5
3. Miami, 9-7
4. Bills, 1-15
Playoff Predictions:
Richard Hill:
AFC:
1. Patriots
2. Steelers
3. Titans
4. Chiefs
5. Jets
6. Colts
NFC:
1. Giants
2. Falcons
3. Seahawks
4. Packers
5. Saints
6. Redskins
Wild Card Round:
Titans over Colts
Jets over Chiefs
Redskins over Seahawks
Packers over Saints
Divisional Round:
Patriots over Jets
Steelers over Titans
Giants over Redskins
Packers over Falcons
Championship Round:
Patriots over Steelers
Giants over Packers
Super Bowl:
Patriots over Giants
Mike Dussault:
AFC:
1. Colts
2. Patriots
3. Steelers
4. Chiefs
5. Ravens
6. Jets
NFC:
1. Giants
2. Saints
3. Packers
4. Seahawks
5. Eagles
6. Falcons
Wild Card Round:
Steelers over Jets
Ravens over Chiefs
Falcons over Packers
Eagles over Seahawks
Divisional Round:
Patriots over Steelers
Ravens over Colts
Falcons over Giants
Saints over Eagles
Championship Round:
Ravens over Patriots
Falcons over Saints
Super Bowl:
Ravens over Falcons
Stephen Verman:
AFC:
1. Steelers
2. Patriots
3. Colts
4. Chiefs
5. Ravens
6. Jets
NFC:
1. Saints
2. Giants
3. Packers
4. Rams
5. Falcons
6. Eagles
Wild Card Round:
Ravens over Chiefs
Colts over Jets
Eagles over Packers
Falcons over Rams
Divisional Round:
Patriots over Ravens
Steelers over Colts
Giants over Falcons
Eagles over Saints
Championship Round:
Patriots over Steelers
Eagles over Giants
Super Bowl:
Patriots over Eagles