NFL midseason awards: Tom Brady takes hardware

3 of 8

Sep 27, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons receiver Julio Jones (11) dives for the pylon to score a touchdown in the third quarter against Dallas Cowboys cornerback Tyler Patmon (26) at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Player of the Year: Julio Jones

There are a number of players who could fit in this slot: the aforementioned Tom Brady, Philip Rivers, Andy Dalton, Carson Palmer, rookie running back Todd Gurley and DeAndre Hopkins, to name a half-dozen. Heck, even Julio Jones’ teammate Devonta Freeman could be considered – he’s the first legitimate rushing attack the Falcons have boasted since the early Michael Turner years. But it’s Jones to whom the award goes.

Jones is at or near the top of the heap in all significant receiving numbers. Receptions: 70, first in the NFL. Receiving yards: 892, first in the NFL. Yards after catch: 363, first of all wide receivers by a country mile (second in the league). His targets (103), yards per game (111.5) and first downs (45) are all second in the National Football League.

Atlanta has been one of the biggest surprises in the NFL this season. Under new head coach Dan Quinn they were expected to be at least a year or two away. However, Jones’ ability to stay on the field and spark lightning with Matt Ryan has really opened up Atlanta’s offense and allowed Quinn’s defense to pin its ears back.

Jones is good for at least one video game, highlight reel catch per game, and in his fifth season has finally made the leap to the game’s best wide receiver.

Next: NFL Defensive Player of the Year

Home/Atlanta Falcons