Eric the Red
Team HuskerBoard
Awards for the incredible year that was
It was a wild, wacky and wonderful 2005 campaign.
Who actually thought the Seahawks would win more games than the Eagles and Ravens combined?
So before we embark on what should be a fantastic postseason, let's review the good, the bad and the ugly and give out some awards, as we see it, from the incredible year that was.
Shaun Alexander had a season for the ages and was the most dominating player on one of the best teams. (Matthew Stockman / Getty Images)
MVP — Seattle RB Shaun Alexander
Remember how Seattle lost games to inferior teams in prior years? Remember how the Seahawks were reluctant to give Alexander a long-term contract last off-season? Everything changed for Alexander in 2005 and, consequently, the 13-3 Seahawks. Simply put, Alexander had a season for the ages and was the most dominating player on one of the best teams.
Alexander set the single-season record for touchdowns with 28 and barreled through the opposition, pounding out 1,880 rushing yards, averaging 118 yards per game. His dominance took the pressure off of quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who enjoyed the finest season of his career.
Defensive Player of the Year — Jaguars LB Mike Peterson
This is by far the toughest selection, separating so many really good defensive players who had big years. But Peterson was the most dominating and disruptive player on a very good and underrated defense that propelled Jacksonville to the playoffs.
Peterson led the Jags in tackles in 13 of the 16 games, played brilliantly down the stretch, played great against the Colts and assumed a major leadership role with Donovin Darius out for most of the year. And Peterson did it all; totaling 132 tackles (ninth in the league), six sacks and three interceptions.
Offensive Rookie of the Year — Bucs RB Cadillac Williams
Chalk up 1,178 hard earned yards for Jon Gruden's new offensive toy in his neophyte campaign. Plus, Williams played brilliantly after missing some time with a foot injury.
Defensive Rookie of the Year — Seattle LB Lofa Tatupu
From Week 1 to Week 17, the best and most consistent defensive rookie was Tatupu. The former USC star, playing middle linebacker, called out the signals and became the unquestioned leader of the revamped Seattle defense, totaling 105 tackles, three picks and four sacks. He deserves the honor just ahead of Cincy's Odell Thurman and San Diego's Shawne Merriman.
Coach of the Year — Indy's Tony Dungy
The main goal of the Colts this year was to have the AFC playoffs run through Indy. Mission accomplished. And the Colts' defense finally looked like a Dungy defense, making game changing plays and playing with an attitude. All regular season long, there was no question which team was the best in the NFL.
Comeback Player of the Year — Tampa WR Joey Galloway
After Galloway suffered yet another major season-ending injury early last year, there were those who wondered if he was done for good. Instead, Galloway had a season for the record books, totaling 10 receiving touchdowns, a new Tampa team record. Galloway was the rock for Jon Gruden's offense while the Bucs broke in new players, and he deserved to go to the Pro Bowl.
The Good
Chicago's defense — Whether it was Tommie Harris, Alex Brown or Adewale Ogunleye dominating an offensive line (like they did against Carolina), or Hunter Hillenmeyer, Brian Urlacher, Mike Brown or Lance Briggs flying all over the field, or Nathan Vasher and Charles Tillman making game-changing picks, this was the best defense top to bottom in the league. Forget "final rankings" that dropped them to No. 2. And let's credit coach Lovie Smith and defensive coordinator Ron Rivera.
Steve Smith — The first-half MVP was the best receiver in the league this year with 103 catches, 12 touchdowns and 1,563 yards. And Smith was a highlight waiting to happen. What made Smith's season so incredible was the fact that Carolina's running game was inconsistent, and the other receivers were usually invisible.
The Denver Broncos — After a confusing off-season and a Week 1 loss, the Broncos dominated a tough schedule, going 13-2 the rest of the way. The offensive line and running back combinations were fantastic; Jake Plummer was consequently efficient, and the defense flew around the field, making game-changing plays.
Tiki Barber — Barber carried the Giants to several wins in New York's division-winning season, and proved he is one of the best running backs in the NFL with 1,860 rushing yards. Tiki had the game of the year for any running back against the Chiefs in week 15 with two touchdowns and 220 rushing yards and was a legit MVP candidate.
Larry Johnson — Priest who? The physical Johnson dominated opposing defenses and was the best running back in the NFL during the second half, a 100-rushing yard machine. Johnson put on clinics against Houston (211 yards and two TDs) and Cincy (201 yards and three TDs).
Tom Brady — No Charlie Weis? A banged up Corey Dillon? No problem. Spreading the ball around and asked to throw it more, 2005 was the best regular season Brady has ever had, throwing for 4,110 yards and 26 touchdowns.
Bengals Offense — Carson Palmer became a star, firing 32 touchdowns behind the most underrated offensive line in the NFL. Rudi Johnson enjoyed a rock solid season, becoming the ultimate balance for Palmer with nearly 1,500 rushing yards. And the loveable Chad Johnson talked a big game, backed it up with a host of big plays and touchdowns and celebrated in style seemingly every week.
Koren Robinson — Minnesota took a gamble on the on a player with a checkered past when they signed him in August. Robinson, a major problem child in Seattle, stayed sober, became a major weapon in the Vikings' passing attack and made the Pro Bowl as a returner.
Nick Saban — A 9-7 record for the first year coach of the Dolphins was phenomenal. The Dolphins went on a six-game winning streak to end the season after Saban's "we're not paying attention to the scoreboard" speech.
Redskins' defense — It was the constant and dominating factor for Washington during its five-game win streak to end the season. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams maximized a defense without a Pro Bowler this year, and then maximized his checking account with a three-year, $8 million extension. The 35-7 win against Dallas was a clinic on how to pressure a quarterback.
The Bad
Michael Vick — The Falcons' quarterback lost twice to Carolina, a team he used to dominate, including an embarrassment in Week 17. Vick had no interest in the second Panthers' game and also checked out in the cold in the later stages of the Chicago loss. Vick seemed more interested in telling reporters he was a pocket passer than winning games, which Atlanta did only half of the time in a disappointing 8-8 season.
Eagles — Donovan McNabb was hurt on opening night; his play suffered, and with the persistent pain and the Eagles' losing, he eventually had season-ending surgery. And then we all had to suffer watching Mike McMahon. Philly became a MASH unit, losing Lito Sheppard and Brian Westbrook among others.
Brett Favre — 29 picks in a long and painful season.
Titans QBs — Steve McNair looked closer to retirement; Billy Volek didn't impress, and Matt Mauck, well, he'll always have that LSU title.
Giants' extra home game — The league made a major mistake when it gave the Giants an extra home game against the Saints in Week 2. This game should've been played in San Antonio, Baton Rouge or Houston. With the congested playoff race, it was a major issue all year long.
Chargers — The team that snapped New England's legendary home win streak and ended the Colts' perfect season still couldn't find its way to the playoffs. LaDainian Tomlinson was hurt and ineffective at times; the secondary was consistently beat; GM A.J. Smith suspended Antonio Gates for the season opener during a contractual dispute (and the team desperately missed him in the final stages against Dallas), and the team lost too many close games. Moreover, the loss against the Dolphins at home the week before the Colts win was unacceptable.
Cardinals Running Game — Contrary to what a brash sports talk show host predicted, J.J. Arrington didn't win rookie of the year. He rushed for a pathetic 370 yards behind a terrible offensive line.
Alex Smith — You never want to judge a quarterback in his first year, but Smith looked just horrible in his. Smith's passes fluttered, and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 draft didn't throw a touchdown pass until week 17.
Chiefs defense — Missed tackles against the Giants and the Cowboys down the stretch ultimately kept Kansas City out of the playoffs.
The Ugly
Terrell Owens — It finally boiled over for the Eagles wideout when Andy Reid suspended him for four games on November 6 for conduct detrimental to the team. For the rest of the season, the Eagles paid Owens to stay away. And no football fan, or Eagles player, missed this selfish egomaniac. His childish act wore thin.
Pacman Jones — The Titans' first-round pick ended the season by getting consecutive penalties against the Jaguars, one for cursing out an official. He also got angry when asked to contribute $500 with his teammates for Christmas presents. This coming from the same guy who ran into trouble upon getting drafted, infuriated teammates with a contentious and lengthy holdout and never mentally caught up. Jones embarrassed himself on the field, as well, with a whiff on a pathetic tackle attempt on Jerry Porter and constantly getting beat like a drum playing cover corner. Jones simply doesn't get it.
Willis McGahee — Before the October 23 game against the Raiders, the Bills' running back declared himself the best back in the NFL. Since the statement, McGahee played more like an undrafted free agent, averaging about 50 yards per game in the second half and drawing ire from coach Mike Mularkey for his style. McGahee also cried about his carries and seemed more interested in getting 1,000 rushing yards than the fact that Buffalo blew a 21-0 lead in Miami.
Kris Brown — During the Texans "you can't make it up" 2-14 season, Brown missed the entire stadium in Tennessee on a potential game-winning kick at the gun. The Texans lost. He missed a big kick against the Rams the week before in the legendary Ryan Fitzpatrick-led comeback for the Rams in Houston. And for good measure, he botched a kick in San Francisco in the fourth quarter during the 'Reggie Bush Bowl.' Brown, sadly, epitomized the Texans during their 2-14 campaign.
Aaron Brooks — Finally the error, I mean era, is over in New Orleans. A turnover waiting to happen, Brooks was glued to the pine for the final weeks of the season and will be released this off-season. And yes, the team, the league and owner Tom Benson could've handled the post-Katrina days better for the Saints, but cursing out the commissioner of the NFL and making negative comments about him on national radio is just wrong and immature.
Love Boat — The Vikings' boat scandal, one where several Minnesota players were alleged to have engaged in lewd sexual acts, rocked the NFL and Vikings season during their bye week. Minnesota lost its focus the ensuing week and got blown out against Chicago, 28-3. Four Vikings players including Daunte Culpepper, Bryant McKinnie and Fred Smooth, were charged with misdemeanors.
Daunte Culpepper — In addition to the bye-week shenanigans, it was also a brutal season for Culpepper on the field, throwing twice as many picks as touchdowns. The team didn't start winning until veteran backup Brad Johnson took his place when Culpepper went out for the season with an injury.
Jets — They were, without question, the toughest team to watch in football. The Jets lost quarterbacks Chad Pennington and Jay Fiedler for the season and were forced to bring Vinny Testaverde off the couch. Brooks Bollinger had to take over, and that was brutal. Curtis Martin got hurt. The offensive line was horrible. But at least Doug Jolley fulfilled everyone's expectations. It was a complete recipe for disaster with the Jets this year.
Raiders — Just lose in the division, baby! The offense, loaded with talent, bombed.
Ravens Offense — With the exception of two magical nights in Weeks 15 and 16, Kyle Boller took a major step backward. He also got hurt during the Week 1 loss to the Colts, giving way to back-up Anthony Wright, who sadly was worse than Boller. An angry Jamal Lewis didn't seem to have the hunger or strength all season — averaging three yards a carry and failing to reach 1,000 yards.
Adam Schein hosts the Afternoon Blitz on Sirius NFL Radio with NFL Hall of Famer John Riggins from 3-7 p.m. ET. He also hosts a Sunday night radio program on WFAN New York. E-mail him at adamschein@foxsports.com.
It was a wild, wacky and wonderful 2005 campaign.
Who actually thought the Seahawks would win more games than the Eagles and Ravens combined?
So before we embark on what should be a fantastic postseason, let's review the good, the bad and the ugly and give out some awards, as we see it, from the incredible year that was.
Shaun Alexander had a season for the ages and was the most dominating player on one of the best teams. (Matthew Stockman / Getty Images)
MVP — Seattle RB Shaun Alexander
Remember how Seattle lost games to inferior teams in prior years? Remember how the Seahawks were reluctant to give Alexander a long-term contract last off-season? Everything changed for Alexander in 2005 and, consequently, the 13-3 Seahawks. Simply put, Alexander had a season for the ages and was the most dominating player on one of the best teams.
Alexander set the single-season record for touchdowns with 28 and barreled through the opposition, pounding out 1,880 rushing yards, averaging 118 yards per game. His dominance took the pressure off of quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who enjoyed the finest season of his career.
Defensive Player of the Year — Jaguars LB Mike Peterson
This is by far the toughest selection, separating so many really good defensive players who had big years. But Peterson was the most dominating and disruptive player on a very good and underrated defense that propelled Jacksonville to the playoffs.
Peterson led the Jags in tackles in 13 of the 16 games, played brilliantly down the stretch, played great against the Colts and assumed a major leadership role with Donovin Darius out for most of the year. And Peterson did it all; totaling 132 tackles (ninth in the league), six sacks and three interceptions.
Offensive Rookie of the Year — Bucs RB Cadillac Williams
Chalk up 1,178 hard earned yards for Jon Gruden's new offensive toy in his neophyte campaign. Plus, Williams played brilliantly after missing some time with a foot injury.
Defensive Rookie of the Year — Seattle LB Lofa Tatupu
From Week 1 to Week 17, the best and most consistent defensive rookie was Tatupu. The former USC star, playing middle linebacker, called out the signals and became the unquestioned leader of the revamped Seattle defense, totaling 105 tackles, three picks and four sacks. He deserves the honor just ahead of Cincy's Odell Thurman and San Diego's Shawne Merriman.
Coach of the Year — Indy's Tony Dungy
The main goal of the Colts this year was to have the AFC playoffs run through Indy. Mission accomplished. And the Colts' defense finally looked like a Dungy defense, making game changing plays and playing with an attitude. All regular season long, there was no question which team was the best in the NFL.
Comeback Player of the Year — Tampa WR Joey Galloway
After Galloway suffered yet another major season-ending injury early last year, there were those who wondered if he was done for good. Instead, Galloway had a season for the record books, totaling 10 receiving touchdowns, a new Tampa team record. Galloway was the rock for Jon Gruden's offense while the Bucs broke in new players, and he deserved to go to the Pro Bowl.
The Good
Chicago's defense — Whether it was Tommie Harris, Alex Brown or Adewale Ogunleye dominating an offensive line (like they did against Carolina), or Hunter Hillenmeyer, Brian Urlacher, Mike Brown or Lance Briggs flying all over the field, or Nathan Vasher and Charles Tillman making game-changing picks, this was the best defense top to bottom in the league. Forget "final rankings" that dropped them to No. 2. And let's credit coach Lovie Smith and defensive coordinator Ron Rivera.
Steve Smith — The first-half MVP was the best receiver in the league this year with 103 catches, 12 touchdowns and 1,563 yards. And Smith was a highlight waiting to happen. What made Smith's season so incredible was the fact that Carolina's running game was inconsistent, and the other receivers were usually invisible.
The Denver Broncos — After a confusing off-season and a Week 1 loss, the Broncos dominated a tough schedule, going 13-2 the rest of the way. The offensive line and running back combinations were fantastic; Jake Plummer was consequently efficient, and the defense flew around the field, making game-changing plays.
Tiki Barber — Barber carried the Giants to several wins in New York's division-winning season, and proved he is one of the best running backs in the NFL with 1,860 rushing yards. Tiki had the game of the year for any running back against the Chiefs in week 15 with two touchdowns and 220 rushing yards and was a legit MVP candidate.
Larry Johnson — Priest who? The physical Johnson dominated opposing defenses and was the best running back in the NFL during the second half, a 100-rushing yard machine. Johnson put on clinics against Houston (211 yards and two TDs) and Cincy (201 yards and three TDs).
Tom Brady — No Charlie Weis? A banged up Corey Dillon? No problem. Spreading the ball around and asked to throw it more, 2005 was the best regular season Brady has ever had, throwing for 4,110 yards and 26 touchdowns.
Bengals Offense — Carson Palmer became a star, firing 32 touchdowns behind the most underrated offensive line in the NFL. Rudi Johnson enjoyed a rock solid season, becoming the ultimate balance for Palmer with nearly 1,500 rushing yards. And the loveable Chad Johnson talked a big game, backed it up with a host of big plays and touchdowns and celebrated in style seemingly every week.
Koren Robinson — Minnesota took a gamble on the on a player with a checkered past when they signed him in August. Robinson, a major problem child in Seattle, stayed sober, became a major weapon in the Vikings' passing attack and made the Pro Bowl as a returner.
Nick Saban — A 9-7 record for the first year coach of the Dolphins was phenomenal. The Dolphins went on a six-game winning streak to end the season after Saban's "we're not paying attention to the scoreboard" speech.
Redskins' defense — It was the constant and dominating factor for Washington during its five-game win streak to end the season. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams maximized a defense without a Pro Bowler this year, and then maximized his checking account with a three-year, $8 million extension. The 35-7 win against Dallas was a clinic on how to pressure a quarterback.
The Bad
Michael Vick — The Falcons' quarterback lost twice to Carolina, a team he used to dominate, including an embarrassment in Week 17. Vick had no interest in the second Panthers' game and also checked out in the cold in the later stages of the Chicago loss. Vick seemed more interested in telling reporters he was a pocket passer than winning games, which Atlanta did only half of the time in a disappointing 8-8 season.
Eagles — Donovan McNabb was hurt on opening night; his play suffered, and with the persistent pain and the Eagles' losing, he eventually had season-ending surgery. And then we all had to suffer watching Mike McMahon. Philly became a MASH unit, losing Lito Sheppard and Brian Westbrook among others.
Brett Favre — 29 picks in a long and painful season.
Titans QBs — Steve McNair looked closer to retirement; Billy Volek didn't impress, and Matt Mauck, well, he'll always have that LSU title.
Giants' extra home game — The league made a major mistake when it gave the Giants an extra home game against the Saints in Week 2. This game should've been played in San Antonio, Baton Rouge or Houston. With the congested playoff race, it was a major issue all year long.
Chargers — The team that snapped New England's legendary home win streak and ended the Colts' perfect season still couldn't find its way to the playoffs. LaDainian Tomlinson was hurt and ineffective at times; the secondary was consistently beat; GM A.J. Smith suspended Antonio Gates for the season opener during a contractual dispute (and the team desperately missed him in the final stages against Dallas), and the team lost too many close games. Moreover, the loss against the Dolphins at home the week before the Colts win was unacceptable.
Cardinals Running Game — Contrary to what a brash sports talk show host predicted, J.J. Arrington didn't win rookie of the year. He rushed for a pathetic 370 yards behind a terrible offensive line.
Alex Smith — You never want to judge a quarterback in his first year, but Smith looked just horrible in his. Smith's passes fluttered, and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 draft didn't throw a touchdown pass until week 17.
Chiefs defense — Missed tackles against the Giants and the Cowboys down the stretch ultimately kept Kansas City out of the playoffs.
The Ugly
Terrell Owens — It finally boiled over for the Eagles wideout when Andy Reid suspended him for four games on November 6 for conduct detrimental to the team. For the rest of the season, the Eagles paid Owens to stay away. And no football fan, or Eagles player, missed this selfish egomaniac. His childish act wore thin.
Pacman Jones — The Titans' first-round pick ended the season by getting consecutive penalties against the Jaguars, one for cursing out an official. He also got angry when asked to contribute $500 with his teammates for Christmas presents. This coming from the same guy who ran into trouble upon getting drafted, infuriated teammates with a contentious and lengthy holdout and never mentally caught up. Jones embarrassed himself on the field, as well, with a whiff on a pathetic tackle attempt on Jerry Porter and constantly getting beat like a drum playing cover corner. Jones simply doesn't get it.
Willis McGahee — Before the October 23 game against the Raiders, the Bills' running back declared himself the best back in the NFL. Since the statement, McGahee played more like an undrafted free agent, averaging about 50 yards per game in the second half and drawing ire from coach Mike Mularkey for his style. McGahee also cried about his carries and seemed more interested in getting 1,000 rushing yards than the fact that Buffalo blew a 21-0 lead in Miami.
Kris Brown — During the Texans "you can't make it up" 2-14 season, Brown missed the entire stadium in Tennessee on a potential game-winning kick at the gun. The Texans lost. He missed a big kick against the Rams the week before in the legendary Ryan Fitzpatrick-led comeback for the Rams in Houston. And for good measure, he botched a kick in San Francisco in the fourth quarter during the 'Reggie Bush Bowl.' Brown, sadly, epitomized the Texans during their 2-14 campaign.
Aaron Brooks — Finally the error, I mean era, is over in New Orleans. A turnover waiting to happen, Brooks was glued to the pine for the final weeks of the season and will be released this off-season. And yes, the team, the league and owner Tom Benson could've handled the post-Katrina days better for the Saints, but cursing out the commissioner of the NFL and making negative comments about him on national radio is just wrong and immature.
Love Boat — The Vikings' boat scandal, one where several Minnesota players were alleged to have engaged in lewd sexual acts, rocked the NFL and Vikings season during their bye week. Minnesota lost its focus the ensuing week and got blown out against Chicago, 28-3. Four Vikings players including Daunte Culpepper, Bryant McKinnie and Fred Smooth, were charged with misdemeanors.
Daunte Culpepper — In addition to the bye-week shenanigans, it was also a brutal season for Culpepper on the field, throwing twice as many picks as touchdowns. The team didn't start winning until veteran backup Brad Johnson took his place when Culpepper went out for the season with an injury.
Jets — They were, without question, the toughest team to watch in football. The Jets lost quarterbacks Chad Pennington and Jay Fiedler for the season and were forced to bring Vinny Testaverde off the couch. Brooks Bollinger had to take over, and that was brutal. Curtis Martin got hurt. The offensive line was horrible. But at least Doug Jolley fulfilled everyone's expectations. It was a complete recipe for disaster with the Jets this year.
Raiders — Just lose in the division, baby! The offense, loaded with talent, bombed.
Ravens Offense — With the exception of two magical nights in Weeks 15 and 16, Kyle Boller took a major step backward. He also got hurt during the Week 1 loss to the Colts, giving way to back-up Anthony Wright, who sadly was worse than Boller. An angry Jamal Lewis didn't seem to have the hunger or strength all season — averaging three yards a carry and failing to reach 1,000 yards.
Adam Schein hosts the Afternoon Blitz on Sirius NFL Radio with NFL Hall of Famer John Riggins from 3-7 p.m. ET. He also hosts a Sunday night radio program on WFAN New York. E-mail him at adamschein@foxsports.com.