COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Bryan Rose: Philip Rivers, QB, San Diego Chargers
Maybe a cheeseball answer considering I already gave Rivers the OPOY award earlier, but the guy was dreadful last season. Now without many weapons, he’s shockingly excelling.
Patrick Allen: Alex Smith, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
How can it not be Alex Smith? This depends largely on how the Chiefs perform over their next 8 games but Smith is the best story in the NFL this season. After being benched in the midst of a career year, Smith was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs. In 2013, he’s out-playing his replacement, Colin Kaepernick and his new team is undefeated.
Josh Sanchez: Alex Smith, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
He was having a great season before his injury that cost him his job in San Francisco. Smith was ultimately shown the door, but he has redeemed himself under Andy Reid in Kansas City. Leading an undefeated team at the midway point of the season is no easy task and Smith has accomplished it. Add in the fact that he is playing just as well as Colin Kaepernick and winning more games, and you have a clear-cut comeback story.
Mike Dyce: Alex Smith, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
This award is normally reserved for someone coming off of a big injury. Smith did lose his job to Colin Kaepernick while he was recovering from an injury though. Given an opportunity in Kansas City, Smith has taken full advantage. He hasn’t put up dominant numbers by any means, but he has led this team to an undefeated record and first place ahead of Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. That counts for something.