After coming off of a torn Achilles, Brent Grimes started every game for the Miami Dolphins this season. He finished with 60 total tackles, four picks and a defensive touchdown. More importantly, he was clearly a top-10 cornerback in his comeback year.
Darrelle Revis began his new journey with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after tearing his ACL, and like Grimes, he played all 16 games this year. The lock-down corner may not have gotten much attention, considering he played for a poor team in 2013, but he continued to show he is one of the top cornerbacks in the game despite coming off a major injury.
After the Carolina Panthers began the year 1-3, Ron Rivera and his club went on to finish the season 12-4 by way of an 8-game winning streak following their third loss of the year. This was supposed to be the year that Rivera and Cam Newton finally proved what they were capable of, and winning the NFC South in such fashion was more than enough to do so.
You all know the story by now. The Kansas City Chiefs were coming off of a 2-win season, and really didn’t change much coming into 2013. Andy Reid and his new quarterback Alex Smith proved to be the difference. Reid took the Chiefs to a record of 11-5 after winning their first nine of the year, while finishing with one of the better defenses in the AFC. 2013 was quite the showing for Reid, and he deserves this award 100 percent.
Keenan Allen became Philip Rivers’ favorite target once injuries began to plague the offense, but clearly he was worthy of it. Allen put up 1,046 yards on 71 catches in his rookie season to go with eight touchdowns. He solidified himself as a reliable wideout and a legitimate threat to defenses.
It is hard to argue with Lacy for this award. After the injury to Aaron Rodgers, Lacy’s value was shown more so than ever. He finished his rookie campaign with 1,178 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, along with 257 receiving yards. The big-bodied back was crucial in the Green Bay Packers’ NFC North title, as he gained yard after yard late in the season. Lacy was as dependable a back the Packers have had in recent years, and will only get better.
Defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson helped the New York Jets maintain a league-leading 3.4 yards-per-carry average on opposing running backs. His presence on the line was the number one key in the Jets stopping the run all year long and also added 3.5 sacks.
It is incredibly hard not to give this one to Buffalo Bills linebacker Kiko Alonso. Many consider him a snub from the Pro Bowl, and justifiably so. He led all rookies with 159 total tackles. Alonso also rounded out his rookie season with four interceptions, two sacks, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble. He was by far and away one of the premier linebackers in the league this year.
If it wasn’t for a certain quarterback breaking records this year, Jamaal Charles would have this award locked up. Charles ran for 1,287 yards and piled on 693 receiving yards. 19 total touchdowns, including a historic 5-touchdown performance in week 16, were a career-high for him.
This season seems repetitive, with Manning dominating seemingly every football conversation all year long. But, the fact of the matter is, Manning was by far the best offensive player in the game in 2013. It’s tough to disagree – no, it’s impossible. He deserves every record and accolade he receives this season.
Robert Quinn led the NFC with 19.0 sacks on the year, good for second in the entire NFL. He also forced seven fumbles, recovered two and combined for 57 total tackles. I wouldn’t complain if Quinn took home the honors, but this next guy had just a tad better season.
Robert Mathis had virtually zero help around him in terms of the pass rush, and wound up with a league-high 19.5 sacks. Mathis also forced eight fumbles and ended the year with 59 total tackles. This was by far the best year of his career, and Mathis certainly deserves the recognition.
Now, this really feels repetitive. But, it’s very difficult to see how the Chiefs would have scored any points this year without Charles. When it comes to pure value, and the team being completely different without his presence, Charles is high up there and should absolutely be one of the top contenders to take home MVP.
There is not much else to talk about. You’d swear they were making up certain records that Manning and his Broncos broke this year, but they were all legit. There is absolutely no question, Manning should be the unanimous NFL MVP.
