2014 NFL awards: Peyton Manning, Robert Quinn lead SB Nation’s list of honors

This was the easiest selection SB Nation’s bloggers voted on. Peyton Manning as the MVP was unanimous among these bloggers, and you can’t blame them. Manning is the only choice this year. Despite impressive seasons by others such as LeSean McCoy and Jamaal Charles, Manning stands head and shoulders above everyone else.

We saw this coming when he started the season with seven touchdown passes on opening night.

Simply put, Manning was the best player on one of the best teams in the league this year.

There was plenty of competition for this one but Rams DE Robert Quinn edges out Colts LB Robert Mathis and Panthers LB Luke Kuechly, among others, for the defensive player of the year award.

Quinn’s final numbers: 57 tackles, 19 sacks, 7 forced fumbles.

The star defensive end shows up in big games. Three sacks against the nearly playoff-bound Cardinals, three more against Seattle, two against Indy and New Orleans. His 19 sacks are a team record, surpassing Kevin Carter’s 17 in 1999, and put him just a half sack off this year’s sack champion Robert Mathis.

Aldon Smith, J.J. Watt and Von Miller have garnered most of the attention from a 2011 draft class loaded with pass rushers. Those three are each dealing with their own struggles this season. Quinn’s taken his place with them as one of the best players to come into the league that year.

Also receiving votes: Luke Kuechly, Richard Sherman, Robert Mathis, LaVonte David, Karlos Dansby

The Chiefs had the most dramatic turnaround in the NFL this year and much of that praise can be heaped upon Andy Reid. The Chiefs personnel this season wasn’t all that different from last, save Alex Smith, but Reid helped the Chiefs go from two wins to 11 wins in one calendar year. Reid brought the professionalism and attitude needed to win which was evident after they reeled off nine straight wins to open the season.

Reid’s offense in Kansas City did a complete 180 from what it was last year. No longer did the team turn the ball and make silly mistakes to beat themselves. The Chiefs became one of the most intelligent teams, who didn’t beat themselves very often. The offense also got better as the season went on, which is the mark of a good coach. The Chiefs didn’t reach the ultimate goal but the foundation has clearly been laid for years of success under Andy Reid.

There were plenty of good candidates this year but no other coach turned his team from the NFL’s worst to a playoff contender.

Also receiving votes: Chip Kelly, Bruce Arians, Mike McCoy

Packers RB Eddie Lacy was a second round pick so the expectations were high. But I’m not sure we knew just how consistent and durable he would be this season.

Lacy ended with 284 carries for 1,178 yards (4.1 yards per carry) and 11 touchdowns, despite missing a couple of games early with a concussion. He helped revive the Packers running game, which is a big reason folks thought they could still make a run despite the time Aaron Rodgers missed with a broken collarbone. A consistent rushing attack with Rodgers behind center ready to strike is dangerous. Lacy made teams respect him.

It wasn’t until Rodgers went down that Lacy truly hit his stride. His running style isn’t all too dissimilar from that of Marshawn Lynch. He can burst out of the hole and plow through several defenders for the extra few yards. What makes him special is his immaculate footwork, rare for a tailback his size. Even when he isn’t moving forward, Lacy can quickly reposition himself to exploit a defender’s position. It’s safe to say he’s the best running back the Packers have had since Ahman Green’s peak a decade ago.

Also receiving votes: Keenan Allen, Kiko Alonso, Sheldon Richardson

It’s easy to see why the most SB Nation NFL bloggers picked the Seahawks to win it all. They’re one of the best teams with arguably the top home-field advantage in the playoff field. The Seahawks are balanced, ranking eighth in offense and first in defense. They have one of the best young quarterbacks in Russell Wilson buoyed by a dominant rushing attack.

Perhaps most importantly, they have already demonstrated they can beat the remaining playoff teams in the Panthers, 49ers and Saints.

The second most popular choice for Super Bowl winner was the Denver Broncos.

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