Carolina Panthers could sweep the most important awards
Recognition. Is that important to the players on the Carolina Panthers?
No, it is not, as the Panthers see themselves as a team, not individuals, which is exactly the reason why the Panthers are undefeated – team play.
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Now, not to say recognition is not nice for a team and players who have never really received, with a few exceptions, it surely is. It is just not the main focus of what the players on the Panthers go out for.
But, with an undefeated record, it does bring recognition. This is recognition well deserved.
What it means though is that two of the players for the Panthers, might be receiving the top two awards in the NFL.
These awards:
- NFL MVP
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year
You probably already know who the two players who could possibly win these awards are, right?
- Cam Newton
- Luke Kuechly
If Cam were to win the NFL MVP, he would likely have to beat out only two guys. One being golden child Tom Brady and the other being Carson Palmer.
Dec 6, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the second half of a game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Panthers won 41-38. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Cam clearly has the advantage over both, putting the statistics aside, which is what the true meaning of MVP means.
Cam has done ten times more, with ten times less both on and off the field. The receivers Cam has, everyone wrote off before the season started.
Brady has Julian Edelman. Palmer has Larry Fitzgerald. Cam has……
Exactly. Cam for MVP.
Now Luke as Defensive Player of the Year could also easily happen. His competition for the award is only J.J. Watt.
A very valid case could be made for Watt, especially with the way he has been playing this year, having 13.5 sacks currently on the year. 13.5 sacks? Yes, but also three and half more games that Watt has played since Luke was out with a concussion.
Luke for Defensive Player of the Year.
Think about it – Cam and Luke could sweep these awards. Maybe then the media will start to recognize the Carolina Panthers.