Didinger’s season awards, All-Pro selections

Handing out awards to the top performers of the 2012 NFL season...

Most Valuable Player

Adrian Peterson, MinnesotaA month ago, I was ready to cast my MVP vote for Peyton Manning, who had a magnificent comeback season in Denver. But the more I saw Adrian Peterson, the more I became convinced he was the rightful MVP.

Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Philadelphia sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.

He came within nine yards of breaking Eric Dickersons record for rushing yards in a season (2,105) and he almost single-handedly carried the Vikings to a 10-6 record and a wild card berth in the playoffs. The Vikings had the worst passing offense in the league so every defense loaded the box to stop Peterson but no one could.

The fact Peterson accomplished all this after suffering a major knee injury last December and undergoing reconstructive surgery makes it all the more astounding. He actually was better this season than he was before. He is only the seventh player in NFL history to top the 2,000-yard rushing plateau.

Coach of the Year

Bruce Arians, IndianapolisThe former Temple coach did a remarkable job after taking over when Chuck Pagano was diagnosed with leukemia. Arians led the Colts to a 9-3 record with rookie Andrew Luck at quarterback and a defense that ranked 26th in the league. A team that was expected to win maybe five games is now headed to the postseason.

News

WNBA 5 hours ago

Caitlin Clark nearing eight-figure deal with Nike, signature shoe: Report

Olympics 6 hours ago

Most intriguing men's basketball matchups, players to watch in 2024 Olympics

Arians is a very good offensive coach and play-caller. He was offensive coordinator in Pittsburgh and helped develop Ben Roethlisberger into a Super Bowl champion. Arians was a smart hire by the Colts as a coach to mentor Luck, but he was forced to assume the bigger responsibility when Pagano left the team in September. He kept the young Colts focused as they pulled out one dramatic win after another.

Arians never had the chance to be a head coach in the NFL prior to this, but he is sure to be interviewed for some of the current openings. If Jeffrey Lurie is smart, he will put Arians on his interview list. His age (60) may discourage some owners who are in the market for a young up-and-comer, but Arians should have earned himself a shot with what he did in Indy this year.

Rookie of the Year

Robert Griffin III, WashingtonThis is a tough call because any other year Luck or Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson could have won easily. They are very good but RG3 is special. No player in the league is more fun to watch. He is that rare young player who makes a ton of big plays but few mistakes. His ratio of touchdown passes to interceptions on third down playsseven to one.

Honorable mention in this category to RG3s teammate, running back Alfred Morris. A sixth-round pick from Florida Atlantic, Morris set a Redskins record for rushing yards in a season (1,613). He had 33 carries for 200 yards and three touchdowns in Sundays huge win over Dallas.

Comeback Player of the Year

Peyton Manning, DenverRemember this time last year, all the questions raised about whether Manning would ever play again and, indeed, should he ever play again? He was coming off yet another surgical procedure on his neck and the Colts were trying to find a graceful way to transition away from the legend (Manning) and toward the future (Luck).

Now both quarterbacks are headed to the AFC playoffs.

People were stunned when Denver signed Manning for 96 million over five years, but it proved to be a smart investment. Manning is having one of his best seasons, completing almost 70 percent of his passes and averaging eight yards per attempt. He threw for 37 touchdowns and the Broncos are riding into the playoffs on an 11-game winning streak.

Defensive Player of the Year

J.J. Watt, Houston -- It is rare that a down lineman in a 3-4 defense achieves individual honors. Usually, those guys are there to tie up blockers and allow the linebackers to get the sacks, the picks and the glory. But Watt is so good, he is making everyone take notice.

The 6-6, 285-pound Watt led the league with 20 and one-half sacks, falling just short of the record set by Michael Strahan (22.5), who played end in a traditional 4-3 for the New York Giants. Strahan lined up on the edge where he could use his speed to beat blockers around the corner. In the 3-4, Watt is inside in almost a tackle position where it is easier for opponents to double team him. Still, he manages to get into the backfield and disrupt the offense.

In addition to his sacks, Watt led the league by batting down 15 passes, earning the nickname J.J. Swat.

Executive of the Year

John Elway, DenverHe is proving to be as smart and aggressive in the front office as he was on the field. He made what was considered a bold move at the time, trading local hero Tim Tebow to the Jets and signing Manning to play quarterback. Some folks considered it a gamble but now it looks like one of the best decisions ever. There is just one downside for Elway: If Manning continues to play this way, he will break a number of Elways passing records. Somehow, I dont think John will care.

Game of the Year

Denver 35, San Diego 24There were quite a few dramatic finishesincluding the blown Hail Mary call by the replacement refs in Green Bay-Seattlebut this game had huge implications. The Broncos had stumbled out of the starting gate at 2-3 and Manning looked slow and rusty. When they fell behind 24-0 in San Diego, a feeling of dread came over Broncos fans who felt their season was going down the drain.

But Manning led a mind-blowing second half comeback that saw the Broncos score 35 unanswered points and win going away. That game started the Broncos on their current winning streak and it may prove to be the springboard to this years Super Bowl.

Most Surprising Team

IndianapolisThere are a lot of candidatesWashington, Seattle, Minnesotabut the Colts had to be the biggest surprise. To improve from two wins to 11 wins and a playoff berth with a rookie quarterback is beyond anyones expectations.

Most Disappointing Team

EaglesI dont think this needs much elaboration. The Eagles were the choice of many pre-season forecasters to win the NFC East. Instead, they finished in last place with their worst record since 1998. They capped it off with an embarrassing 42-7 loss to the Giants followed by a lot of players pointing fingers at unnamed teammates for lack of effort. Its easy to do when the season is over and everyone is heading out the door.

Rays 2012 All-Pro team

Offense

WRCalvin Johnson, Detroit; Brandon Marshall, Chicago

TEJason Witten, Dallas

OTRussell Okung, Seattle; Duane Brown, Houston

OGMike Iupati, San Francisco; Josh Sitton, Green Bay

CMax Unger, Seattle

QBAaron Rodgers, Green Bay

RBAdrian Peterson, Minnesota

FBVonta Leach, Baltimore

Defense

DEJ.J. Watt, Houston; Cameron Wake, Miami