Tag: award

Broncos kicker Lutz named AFC Special Teams Player of the Month

Congrats to Broncos kicker Wil Lutz for being named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Month!

Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Month for November on Thursday.

In the month of November, Lutz was clutch, as the Broncos won two games by three points or less. Lutz finished the month 11-of-11 on field goals, and 3-of-4 on extra points.

After their bye week, the Broncos built on their then-two-game win streak with a walk-off field goal against the Buffalo Bills. If Buffalo didn’t have too many men on the field, Lutz may not have won this award this month. Initially, Lutz missed a 41-yard field goal, but a Bills penalty moved the ball five yards forward, and Lutz drilled the make-up kick.

Lutz becomes the Denver first player to win a Special Teams Player of the Month award since kicker Brandon McManus won the award as a Bronco in 2015.

Ironically, Lutz, who replaced McManus as the Broncos’ kicker at the beginning of the year, succeeds McManus as the AFC Special Team Player of the Month. Lutz hopes to continue his hot leg against the Houston Texans this week.

Follow the Broncos Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=482983128]

Broncos’ Lloyd Cushenberry nominated for Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award

Denver Bronco center Lloyd Cushenberry has been nominated for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award.

The Denver Broncos have nominated center Lloyd Cushenberry for the 2023 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, the team announced Tuesday.

According to the NFL’s website, “The (Art Rooney Award) is presented each year to an NFL player who best demonstrates the qualities of on-field sportsmanship, including fair play, respect for the game and opponents and integrity in competition.”

Cushenberry is a fourth-year veteran who has been a starting offensive lineman who has played nearly every snap since he came into the league in 2020.

This is not the first time Cushenberry has been recognized for his on-field sportsmanship. While he was a player at LSU in college, he was the first offensive lineman in school history to wear the No. 18 jersey, which is given to player who “represents what it means to be an LSU player both on and off the field.”

Cushenberry is one of 32 players to be nominated for the award in 2023, and the winner will be announced at the NFL Honors ceremonies at the end of the year. Other nominees from around the league include Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, Los Angeles Chargers pass rusher Khalil Mack and Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie.

Follow the Broncos Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=482983128]

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott named FedEx Air Player of Week 10

The Cowboys signal caller has been nominated for three straight weeks, finally getting the top spot. | From @ArmyChiefW3

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was named Air FedEx Player of the Week for his Week 10 performance after going 26 of 35 for 404 yards and four touchdown passes in a 49-17 victory over the New York Giants. Prescott also rushed for a score late in the second quarter.

Prescott posted a season high QBR of 138.3 to go along with his first 400-plus yard passing game of the season. He also did not take a sack for only the second time this year.

This is the eighth time in his career Prescott has won the award, last taking home the honors late in the 2022 season. Prescott earned more than 33,000 votes, easily claiming victory over two NFC opponents, both of whom the Cowboys will facae off with later on this year.

Prescott has thrown for 2,415 yards this season, with 17 touchdowns and only 6 interceptions. His 70.7 completion percentage is tops in the entire league.

After failing to throw for 300 yards through any of their first six games, Prescott has not thrown for under that mark since.

James Winchester named Chiefs’ Salute to Service Award nominee

Long snapper James Winchester was named the #Chiefs’ Salute to Service Award nominee for the 2023 season.

The Kansas City Chiefs named long snapper James Winchester as their Salute to Service Award nominee on Wednesday, opening the door for the long-tenured special teamer to add another accolade to his impressive resume.

The two-time Super Bowl champion has become a fan-favorite since signing with Kansas City back in 2015 and has been a key contributor to special teams coordinator Dave Toub’s game plans for the better part of a decade.

According to the NFL, the Salute to Service Award, which is presented by USAA, “recognizes NFL players, coaches, staff and alumni with proven commitment to honoring and supporting military and veteran communities, as nominated by NFL clubs.”

Winchester’s participation in community service with the Chiefs is well-documented, and his affinity for working with veterans makes him an ideal fit for nomination for such a prestigious award.

Fans are encouraged to vote for the veteran long-snapper to increase his chances of winning the coveted decoration.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes wins the FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week award

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes wins the FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week award

The Kansas City Chiefs starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes adds another honor to his career trophy case as he was named the FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week.

Mahomes won for his impressive performance, completing 32 of 42 attempts (76.2 percent) for 424 yards and four touchdowns for a 129.5 passer rating in the Week 7 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. After winning the FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week Award, FedEx will make a $2,000 donation in the reigning league MVP’s name to a Historically Black College or University, which will apply towards needs-based scholarships to deserving HBCU students.

The donations to support HBCU students align with Mahomes’ consistent work to shine a light on the programs. He has supported the annual HBCU Legacy Bowl through his ’15 and the Mahomies Foundation’.

“Yeah, it was a no-brainer for me whenever I got the opportunity through my foundation to help sponsor this game,” Mahomes said in 2022. “I know a lot of players that have been at HBCUs and haven’t got the opportunity that I got coming out of college. So, I wanted to make sure we shine a light on these guys. There are a bunch of these guys that can play in the league.”

Running back D’Onta Foreman of the Chicago Bears was awarded his first FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week for his contribution to Chicago’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders, where he rushed for 89 yards on 16 carries (5.6 avg.) and two touchdowns in Week 7.

Mahomes will look to build on his fantastic Week 7 performance with his upcoming road matchup against the Denver Broncos this Sunday.

Bears QB Tyson Bagent nominated for Pepsi Rookie of the Week

Fans can vote for Tyson Bagent to win the Week 7 Rookie of the Week award.

The good vibes keep coming for Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent. The Bears defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 30-12 in Bagent’s first NFL start as he filled in for Justin Fields, who is dealing with an injured thumb on his throwing hand. Bagent went 21-of-29 for 162 yards with one touchdown and no turnovers to keep the offense moving in front of dozens of friends and family. He’s the first Bears rookie quarterback to win his debut start since Craig Krenzel back in 2004.

His efforts were rewarded after the win with a game ball and now with the chance to win Pepsi® Zero Sugar Rookie of the Week. Bagent is one of six players to be nominated for the Week 7 award, along with Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks, and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison.

Bagent is the second Bears player to be nominated for the award this year, joining rookie cornerback Terell Smith after his contributions in Week 5 against the Washington Commanders. Fans can vote for Bagent by visiting nfl.com/voting/rookies/.

Broncos RB Jaleel McLaughlin nominated for Rookie of the Week award

Go vote for Broncos RB Jaleel McLaughlin!

Jaleel McLaughlin had another solid week rushing the ball, rushing for 68 yards on nine carries, with a long of 38 yards in the Denver Broncos’ 31-21 loss to the New York Jets on Sunday.

McLaughlin also hauled in three receptions for 21 yards and a score.

Although the Broncos came up on the losing end, McLaughlin’s performance garnered a nomination for the NFL’s Rookie of the Week award. McLaughlin’s performance joins the likes of Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, and Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane.

A question the Broncos should ponder: should Sean Payton lean more into McLaughlin and the run game? While quarterback Russell Wilson isn’t entirely to blame, it is debatable if Wilson and the passing game are worth the $245 million price tag. Although McLaughlin isn’t breaking the game wide open per se, he is contributing to the offense and could play a significant role if Payton’s side of the ball needs to take shape.

The Broncos will have a significant test this Thursday, leaving Denver to play the Chiefs in Kansas City.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=482983128]

Evaluating Chargers QB Justin Herbert’s MVP odds ahead of 2023 season

Justin Herbert’s MVP odds are very promising.

With a new offensive coordinator leading the way in Kellen Moore and the Chargers projected to be better on paper than they were last season, Justin Herbert’s MVP odds are worth evaluating. Herbert will be looking to prevent a potential repeat win by Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes in 2023.

Currently, over on FanDuel Sportsbook, Herbert is fourth in line at +900 to win MVP. Three quarterbacks are tied in odds ahead of him: Mahomes, Bills’ Josh Allen, and Bengals’ Joe Burrow are all at +700 as we approach the season. Just behind Herbert is Eagles’ Jalen Hurts and Ravens’ quarterback Lamar Jackson at +1200 and +1500, respectively.

FanDuel AP NFL Regular Season MVP 2023-24 odds:

  • Josh Allen +700
  • Joe Burrow +700
  • Patrick Mahomes +700
  • Justin Herbert +900
  • Jalen Hurts +1200
  • Lamar Jackson +1500
  • Trevor Lawrence +1600
  • Aaron Rodgers +1600
  • Tua Tagovailoa +1600
  • Dak Prescott +1600

The top 10 players in terms of odds aren’t too surprising. Given that MVP consideration is largely a single-season “best quarterback” award now, this group is all of the signal callers primed for regular-season success. Outside of Jets’ Aaron Rodgers, who switched teams in the offseason, each quarterback on the list will be looking to take their respective teams back to the playoffs in 2023.

The price for Herbert seems just about right. He’s one of those top-five quarterbacks that can always be in contention for the award. New weapons and the addition of Kellen Moore can make a potential Herbert bet sound appealing.

From a statistics standpoint, it’s probably safe to say Herbert will bounce back with a 4800+ yard season with 35+ touchdowns in 2023. Considering the offensive changes, there’s no doubt in my mind that the former Oregon quarterback can produce the stat line to potentially win the award.

But there’s one rather large problem with Herbert’s candidacy. That would be the Kansas City Chiefs and the aforementioned Mahomes. As long as Mahomes continues to put up 5000-yard seasons while winning the division, a Herbert bet is rather tough to make convincingly.

The recent history of the NFL MVP award demonstrates that they tend not to give it runner-ups in a division as well. The last MVP player whose team did not finish first in the division was Adrian Peterson in 2012. For quarterbacks, Peyton Manning was the most recent winner of the award that didn’t win his division in 2008.

More important than any potential statistical edge over the field for Herbert in 2023 is ultimately team success. If Herbert is able to split the season series with Mahomes and the Chargers finish on top in the AFC West for the first time since 2009, he could very well be the favorite to win the award. But with the fourth-best odds, I’m not sure there’s enough value in the price to make the bet with a rather glaring obstacle in his way.

Chiefs won ‘Best Team’ award at 2023 ESPYs

The #Chiefs won the “Best Team” award at the 2023 ESPYs on Wednesday night

[anyclip pubname=”2123″ widgetname=”0016M00002U0B1kQAF_M8169″]

The Kansas City Chiefs followed up their Super Bowl victory in February with a win in the “Best Team” category at the 2023 ESPYs. After overcoming adversity over the course of their 2022 campaign, the Chiefs rose to the top of the NFL pantheon by besting the Philadelphia Eagles on the biggest stage in all of sports.

Among those present to accept the award on the team’s behalf were defensive lineman Chris Jones, running back Isiah Pacheco, tight end Travis Kelce, and quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Kelce had presented the “Best Comeback Athlete” award earlier in the night, and Mahomes received the coveted “Best NFL Player” honor shortly after his teammate’s moment at center stage.

The title of “Best Team” is sure to stick with the Chiefs through training camp and the preseason as they look to prepare for the rigors that the coming football season holds for them. If they can duplicate last year’s results over the course of their grueling 17-game schedule in 2023, Kansas City has a legitimate chance to win this same accolade next year.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes won ‘Best Male Athlete’ at 2023 ESPY Awards

Kansas City #Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes won the “Best Male Athlete” award at Wednesday’s ESPY Awards.

[anyclip pubname=”2123″ widgetname=”0016M00002U0B1kQAF_M8169″]

Patrick Mahomes swept both of his individual ESPY Award nominations on Wednesday night, taking home the title of “Best Male Athlete of the Year” during the ceremony’s second presentation after it was announced that he would win the “Best NFL Player” earlier in the afternoon.

In a category that featured Nikola Jokic, Aaron Judge, and Lionel Messi, the Kansas City Chiefs star emerged victorious after his Super Bowl campaign in 2023 lifted him over the other contenders. Hip-hop artist Quavo and actor Paul Walter Hauser presented the award to Mahomes, and he immediately approached the podium to give his acceptance speech.

“I’ve grown up watching the ESPYS and seeing a lot of great athletes win awards, and to be on this stage winning this award is a tremendous honor,” he told the audience. “But it all wouldn’t be possible without God. So I want to thank him first. I truly believe that it was an incredible season.”

He took time to explain that his road to win the award was not easy, and recounted the aversity that he overcame during the Chiefs’ latest championship campaign with the help of his comrades on Kansas City’s roster.

Said Mahomes: “There are many ups and many downs as well. Thank my teammates and coaches for basically just making me look good, honestly, because, you know, I’m a quarterback; I just got to throw the ball. I let guys like Trav [Travis Kelce] work.So [I] appreciate my teammates, my coaches, and the guys that are here. I want to thank my family. Brittany, Bronze, Sterling.

“I’m glad that all that hard work is paying off. And when I’m not in the building, you’re supporting me and making me the guy that I am, the man that I am. So I want to thank them. And finally, Chiefs Kingdom, I truly believe, is the best fan base in the world, sorted all the athletes out here. Man. I started betting next week. I go back to camp next Tuesday. So this is a great award. But we’re gonna do this thing again. We’ll keep this thing rolling. Appreciate all y’all.”

Mahomes will have to wait to see if he and the Chiefs will win yet another accolade later in the ceremony when the award for “Best Team” is announced.