Washington Redskins 2014 awards
By Andrew Long
Earlier this season, I wrote a piece handing out midseason awards to various Washington players. Now that the regular season has come to an end, I would like to redistribute these awards to the deserving players. The awards in question are: Offensive & Defensive rookie of the year, Offensive & Defensive player of the year, and MVP.
In terms of stats and production, a lot can change in 8 weeks and that’s why I decided to revisit this topic. Some winners have changed and some have not, but that’s to be expected. Let’s kick things off with the young guns.
Offensive rookie of the year – Silas Redd
Silas Redd was the player that I selected at the midway point of the season and I’m sticking with my decision. In 2014, Redd recorded 16 carries for 75 yards and a touchdown on the ground. He also notched 8 receptions for 107 yards in the passing game. His statistics aren’t anything to write home about, but he was the most deserving offensive rookie for the Redskins this season.
midseason pick – Silas Redd
Defensive rookie of the year – Bashaud Breeland
Like Redd, Breeland was my choice for this award at the halfway mark of the season. The rookie corner had a solid first season in the NFL; he led the team in interceptions (2) and passes defended (13). Breeland also accounted for 58 tackles and forced 2 fumbles on the year.
With that being said, he still has a lot to learn about the NFL game. Breeland accumulated 12 penalties this season — that’s the most on the team and 4 more than the next highest penalized player (Trent Williams with 8). If he can decrease the amount of penalties he commits, Breeland has the potential to be a good corner for Washington.
midseason pick – Bashaud Breeland
Offensive player of the year – DeSean Jackson
DeSean Jackson was undoubtedly the most dynamic playmaker on the Washington roster in 2014. Jackson’s first season in Washington was a success; he led the Redskins in receiving yards (1,169) and touchdowns (6). With a league leading 13 catches of 40+ yards, his quick score ability was on full display this year.
Fun fact: Jackson is the first Washington player to have 1,000 receiving yards and average above 20 yards per catch (20.9) in a single season.
midseason pick – DeSean Jackson
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Defensive player of the year – Ryan Kerrigan
Like the three players listed above him, Ryan Kerrigan also holds on to his award. With 13.5 sacks, Kerrigan reached the quarterback more than any other player on the Redskins. His sack total was good for 7th in the NFL and his forced fumbles (5) left him tied with Robert Quinn for the most in the league.
Kerrigan played lights out in 2014 and is unquestionably the best player on the Washington D.
midseason pick – Ryan Kerrigan
Most Valuable Player – Ryan Kerrigan
Before the season started, I was unsure of whether or not Ryan Kerrigan was a better pass-rusher than Brian Orakpo. With the regular season in the books, it is abundantly clear that Kerrigan is the superior pass-rusher and overall player. Since joining the team, Kerrigan has never missed a start. His ability to stay on the field has allowed him to hone his skills and it has paid dividends.
In a year where a majority of the team faltered, Kerrigan was able to consistently play at a high level. Kerrigan isn’t only the best defensive player on the team, either. He’s the best player on the Washington Redskins.
midseason pick – DeSean Jackson