With only three games left, it might be time to talk about awards for the team. Some people do not like player awards and think they are just pointless. I personally like awards, especially if they are voted on by their fellow players.
Let’s start with team MVP. This is the biggest award with the most candidates. As of right now, I think it has to be Heath Miller. He is on pace to statistically have his best season. The big thing that separates Miller from the rest of the candidates is he has two jobs on the team. He is arguably the best target for the quarterback, and also helps protect the quarterback. All around, Miller shows up every game against any opponent that he is the best on the field. Ben Roethlisberger would of course be leading for this vote, or at least close, but with him missing games it makes it had for me to consider him the MVP.
The Defensive Player of the Year has to be Ryan Clark. With the absence of Troy Polamalu for most of the season so far, Clark has stepped up greatly. The defense looked suspect earlier in the season, but since the bye week they have greatly improved. Clark is also on pace to have his best statistical season. It just seems this season every time the defense needs a big run stop or a big hit to cause a dropped pass that Clark is involved in the play. If Polamalu had been playing all season who knows who this award would go to, but Clark has played above expectations with him being out.
For the Offensive Player of the Year, I’m going with Ben Roethlisberger. Even with him missing three and one-half games, he is playing at such an elite level this year. His best stat is his touchdown to interception ratio at 20-5. He is playing smarter and helping the team more than hurting it every time he touches the ball. Before his injury, Ben was looking the best he has in recent years. He is the leader of the team and is always trying to improve. The team struggles to win games without him and usually is in every game with him. Roethlisberger runs the offense, if you think otherwise look how the team performed with him and without him this season.
This might be unpopular but Rookie of the Year is one of the easier ones, and it’s Drew Butler. If it wasn’t for injuries, Mike Adams and David DeCastro would be in serious talks for this award. Butler has not only stepped in as a rookie and started, but he has excelled with his opportunity. He has average stats, but excluding one game, he has not made any mistakes. He is not the flashy highly drafted player that you would expect to win this award, but he is truly deserving.
Special teams player is hands down Shawn Suisham. He has only missed one field goal this year, and has tied his career long with a 52-yarder. No extra points have been missed, and his kickoffs have been progressively better through the season. With no returners standing out and making exceptional plays, Suisham has walked away with this one.
The Comeback Player of the Year has got to be Keenan Lewis. Obviously his stats are going to be inflated compared to last year since he is a starter this year and wasn’t last year. Ike Taylor is the best cornerback on this team, but Lewis has stepped up big time in his absence. He has started every game this year, compare to only one last year. Lewis might not have the best stats, but he is playing with confidence and it shows.
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