Adrian Peterson, JJ Watt Earn Top Offense, Defense Honor

Dec 30, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) against the Green Bay Packers at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Packers 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

In a result that I think will end up mirroring the MVP award, Adrian Peterson edged out Peyton Manning for Offensive Player of the Year. Calvin Johnson’s record setting season only earned him a distant third place finish. I was surprised to see Russell Wilson get a couple 3rd place votes, especially because neither of the votes came from me.

For my ballot, I went out on a limb and gave my first place vote to Calvin Johnson. I knew he wouldn’t win, but his season was amazing. The reason for having both offensive player of the year and MVP as two separate awards is so that amazing seasons by players on losing teams can get recognition. I rounded out my ballot with Peterson as #2 and Manning as #3.

Jan 13, 2013; Foxboro, MA, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) salutes after a sack of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (not pictured) during the first half of the AFC divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Player of the Year was not nearly as close. Houston’s JJ Watt received all but 4 1st place votes, and he was 2nd on 3 of those 4 other ballots (and 3rd on the final ballot). Von Miller, Aldon Smith, and Richard Sherman were a distant 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place.

On my Ballot, I had JJ Watt #1, like almost everyone else. It was such an obvious choice. Richard Sherman was #2, and Von Miller got my 3rd place vote.

Anyone who saw Sherman play would agree that he deserved to be in the equation. His impact doesn’t jump off the stat sheet like the sacks that the pass rushers had, and that’s why he didn’t get more votes. Sherman was the league’s best CB this season, and no one else was even close.