With the regular season wrapped up and the NFL playoffs underway, the league’s annual awards are a chance to recognize some of the best players, performances, and plays from 2021. NJ Advance Media’s Eagles beat writers rolled up their sleeves (literally) to hand out the hardware, with some arguing that the winner of MVP should be a non-quarterback and others wondering if the award for top defensive player is worth it in a year when the league’s best defensive performers weren’t really standouts. The 10th annual NFL Honors took place Thursday steps away from SoFi Stadium at YouTube Theater and aired live on ESPN/ABC and NFL Network with ESPN+ streaming the ceremony.
Aaron Donald — Defensive Player of the Year
It’s been a long time since an offensive player won this award, but this year’s winner, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defensive star, was worthy of the recognition. He was a dominant force in the trenches, recording 13.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. He was especially good against double-teams, and he continued to show why he’s the best defensive player in the NFL.
The winner of this award has typically been a linebacker, but in 2021, the top candidate was a cornerback. Richard Sherman of the Seattle Seahawks was outstanding in coverage, picking off a number of passes and making big plays. He was a huge reason why the Seahawks were one of the best teams in the league.
Jonathan Taylor — Running Back of the Year
Salem-native Jonathan Taylor had a great season, enough to get into the MVP conversation if not for the fact that quarterbacks have much more impact on winning and losing games than running backs do. In any event, the Indianapolis Colts running back was a healthy and productive modern workhorse for a team that went to the AFC South title.
Cooper Kupp — Wide Receiver of the Year
The Rams’ star had one of the most impressive seasons at his position this year. Kupp topped the league in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns and was an elite receiver on a team that went to the Super Bowl. He was also a major factor in the success of the Rams’ high-powered offense.
Nick Shook — General Manager of the Year
This award is always a bit controversial, as most voters feel that the general manager who has built the best roster through drafting, free agency, and trades should be the league’s executive of the year. That being said, Green Bay Packers GM Matt LaFleur earned the vote for guiding his team to the NFC North title and a first-round bye in the playoffs, while Cleveland Browns GM Kevin Stefanski deserves praise for taking the franchise where it has never gone before. In doing so, he upset Bill Belichick, who won the award last year.