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NFL Awards Watch Week 16: Murray Injury Could Mix Things Up

By Keith Myers

Dec 14, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) carries the ball as Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Brandon Graham (55) defends in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) carries the ball as Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Brandon Graham (55) defends in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 11, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton (5) scrambles under pressure from St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton (5) scrambles under pressure from St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Rookie of the Year

Aaron Donald, DT, St. Louis Rams

Donald picked up another sack this week, giving him eight on the year. That’s a lot for an interior defensive lineman, especially since the Rams didn’t give Donald a starter’s allotment of snaps until Week 6. Donald now has a sack in each of the last five games.

Khalil Mack, LB, Oakland Raiders

After a few weeks with decreased production, Mack was back to his early season form on Sunday against the Chiefs. He was active and disruptive all game long, picking up six tackles and deflecting a pass. Mack has been the best rookie defensive player in the NFL this season, Unfortunately, teams have been able to scheme against him because of the lack of talent around him in Oakland, limiting his production.

Chris Borland, LB, San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco’s collapse continued this week, and now they may be without Borland for a while. The linebacker was hurt on Sunday when trying to block after an interception. He returned to the field afterward, but wasn’t close to be being as effective. He finished with just six tackles, his lowest since becoming a starter back in Week 7.

In the Hunt: Anthony Barr (Min), C.J. Mosley (Bal), Jason Verrett (SD)

Next: Offensive Player of the Year

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