Fansided

NFL awards: Matt Ryan, Adam Gase clean up

By Andrew Hammond

Nov 13, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) is tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ross Cockrell (L) and free safety Mike Mitchell (23) during the third quarter at Heinz Field. Dallas won 35-30. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) is tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ross Cockrell (L) and free safety Mike Mitchell (23) during the third quarter at Heinz Field. Dallas won 35-30. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 13, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) scores the game-winning touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of their game at Heinz Field. The Cowboys won the game, 35-30. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) scores the game-winning touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of their game at Heinz Field. The Cowboys won the game, 35-30. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /

NFL Game of the Year: Dallas at Pittsburgh

By in large, most of the NFL games this season were trash. Amid that trash, we got one that is worthy of being shown for years to come. When you put together the league’s two best teams in the late afternoon then you have the makings of an explosive matchup. Dallas traveled to Pittsburgh while the league was in the midst of “Cowboy-mania.”

Pittsburgh and Dallas lit up the scoreboard in the fourth quarter as both teams reached the end zone twice in the final stanza. The last score by Dallas was a beautiful run by Ezekiel Elliott to seal the Cowboys victory. It’s highly possible we may see these two go at it one more time in Houston, count me in.

Biggest Disappointment: Carolina and Arizona

OK, close your eyes. Think about how good Arizona and Carolina were a year ago. Now, think about how bad they were this season. Yeah, I know. Pretty trash right? In all seriousness, the Cardinals and Panthers crashing back to earth in 2016 was one of the most surprising things I’ve seen in a long time. Arizona did see some good with the rise of David Johnson at running back.

As for Carolina, Cam Newton’s outfits got worse with every loss. Going from Darkwing Duck to one of the Golden Girls, Newton’s 2016 was one to forget.

Next: Every NFL Team's Best Draft Pick Of All-Time

Comeback Player of the Year: Jordy Nelson

Aaron Rodgers could’ve won the 2016 “in-season” comeback player of the year. One reason why? He had his favorite target back after missing the 2015 season. Nelson’s impact on the Packers offense was felt right away, over 1,200 yards and reaching his highest touchdown total since 2011 with 14, he may be one of the reasons why the Packers go back to the Super Bowl this season.

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