Hey gang-
Sorry I didn’t get the AFC MVPs up yesterday. My computer scares me on Saturdays, being that I am in front of it most of the other 6 days of the week.
Fear not though, I do have your AFC 1st Quarter MVPs, all wrapped up in a neat little package. We’ll use the same format as the NFC, one nominee for offense and defense from each division, leading up to one offensive and defensive MVP for the AFC.
AFC EAST
Offensive
Laurence Maroney, RB, Patriots
Willis McGahee has the best numbers, but nobody in this division has been more valuable to their unit than the rookie back from Minnesota. The Pats business model was unsustainable going into this year. Corey Dillon had too many miles on him, and they had too weak a receiving corps for the passing game to be able to compensate. Maroney changed that. He has given Dillon a running mate, and rejuvenated his career, and at the same time performed on a rookie of the year level himself.
Defensive
Jason Taylor, DE, Dolphins
The Dolphins have been awful this year, but the defense has been elite, ranking 5th overall in the lead. Taylor is the most fearsome athlete on that unit. He has 4 sacks and 2 forced fumbles this year.
AFC NORTH
Offensive
Rudi Johnson, RB, Bengals
Cincy’s vaunted passing game has not been clicking on all cylinders this year, but Rudi continues to pound the ball, and keep the Bengals offense afloat. He is averaging 88 yards a game, over 4 yards per carry, and has 4 TDs. Quietly, he’s become one of the best running backs in the game.
Defensive
Bart Scott, LB, Ravens
This S. Illinois Saluki went undrafted in 2002, but now he looks like the heir apparent to Ray Lewis (who is playing very well himself by the way). Scott has 40 tackles and 5 sacks, and has been equally effective as a pass defender, with 5 PD’s and an interception. The Ravens’ D ranks in the top 3 in overall, rushing, and passing defense, and Scott has been its best player.
AFC SOUTH
Offensive
Reggie Williams, WR, Jaguars
With the retirement of longtime Jags’ big play man, Jimmy Smith, it looked liked the Jacksonville offense would take a major hit. Williams has stepped into Smith’s role, and the Jags offense is more dangerous than it has ever been. The 9th overall pick in the 04 draft has 3 TDs in the last 2 games.
Defensive
Rashean Mathis, CB, Jaguars
Mathis has 4 INT’s and 10 PD’s this year, and has to be considered one of the best corners in the game. That’s a necessity in a division that includes three pass-happy offenses.
AFC WEST
Offensive
Larry Johnson, RB, Chiefs
He hasn’t put up the insane numbers he did last year, but with Trent Green out and the passing game struggling, LJ has carried the Chiefs offense on his back. He’s also added another dimension to his game, averaging 67 receiving yards per game to go with his 83 rushing yards per.
Defensive
Shaun Phillips, LB, Chargers
Shawne Merriman has been great, and gets a lot of pub, but Shaun Phillips has been even better for the defense that ranks 1st against the run, 1st against the pass, and 1st overall. Phillips has 20 tackles, 3 stuffs, 4 sacks, 3 PDs and a forced fumble. Not bad for someone who 2 years ago was a 4th round draft pick.
And the winners are…
Offensive
Larry Johnson, RB, Chiefs
At this point, without LJ, the Chiefs might not have a single win. With him, they are 2-2 despite having Damon Huard, who hadn’t completed an NFL pass since 2000 before this year and was last seen as DAN MARINO’s backup, as their QB.
Defensive
Bart Scott, LB, Ravens
Shaun Phillips has been great, so has Rashean Mathis, but Scott has been putting up outstanding numbers on a defense that carries its team.
