At first glance this might seem like a rather crazy thought. But upon closer evaluation, it appears to be extremely possible. The 2011 Green Bay Packers have a chance to win all the major awards at seasons end.
The awards that I'm talking about are MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Offensive Rookie of the Year, Defensive Rookie of the Year, Comeback Player of the Year and Coach of the Year.
While no team has ever swept the NFL awards in history, and it might seem far fetched for it to happen in today's game, the Packers appear to have the right pieces to make it happen. Here is how it could go down:
MVP and Offensive Player of the Year: Aaron Rodgers
Even though the MVP isn't guaranteed to win the Offensive Player of the Year, it has happened six times since 2000. Three of those six players were quarterbacks, specifically Peyton Manning and Tom Brady twice.
With weapons like Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson and Jermichael Finley as his disposal, Rodgers could have a special season through the air. Throw in the fact that Rodgers is good for a few hundred yards and a couple of touchdowns on the ground and you have a front-runner for both awards.
Defensive Player of the Year: Clay Matthews
Considering that Clay Matthews finished second in voting for this award last year, he has a pretty good shot at winning it this year. When you throw in the fact that Matthews only played in 13 games last season and still finished second, he has a great chance at winning the award.
Matthews is an absolute beast and is only getting better. He has already separated himself as one of the best pass rushers in the game. If he can continue to improve in other aspects of his game, especially in coverage, the award is his to lose.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Randall Cobb
We are only two years removed from seeing a player like Cobb win this award. Percy Harvin, who returned kicks while contributing as a receiver, won the award in 2009. Cobb is just as electric as Harvin and might contribute in more aspects of the game.
Scoring eight different ways in college, Cobb showed his versatility. He will instantly start as a kick/punt returner and could work in the offense as a receiver, running back and possibly quarterback. Playing with a quarterback like Rodgers will help his development and if Cobb has opportunities to touch the ball, he could be a surprise winner.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Ricky Elmore
This is the most unlikely award, but there is a slight possibility it could happen. While Elmore probably won't start the season opposite Matthews, he will see some playing time. With Matthews needing so much attention, whoever is playing across from him should get plenty of single match-ups with offensive lineman.
Elmore led the Pac-10 in sacks last year and is moving from defensive end to outside linebacker. He has a great motor and instincts, but his ceiling isn't very high. If Elmore can impress in training camp and get plenty of sacks during the preseason, he could end up starting. Anything is possible then, right?
Comeback Player of the Year: Ryan Grant
It is possible that the Packers will try to trade Grant, but it is just as possible that Grant wins the starting position and has a year like he did two and three years ago.
Before Grant was injured in the first week of the season, he was a top-10 running back. Coming off back-to-back 1,200 yard seasons with 19 combined touchdowns, some people expected Grant to put up even bigger numbers before he was injured. If Grant wins the starting spot and produces another 1,000 yard rushing season, the award is his.
Coach of the Year: Mike McCarthy
The defending Super Bowl champions will be a favorite pick to win it all again. If the Packers live up to expectations, they should easily go 12-4, if not 13-3 or 14-2. I previously asked if Green Bay could go undefeated, and although highly unlikely, they have the weapons to do so.
Whatever the Packers record is, if they win their division, McCarthy should have a good shot of Coach of the Year.
Well, what do you think? Could the Packers sweep the awards?