Chargers QB Philip Rivers says about Brady, "The biggest thing is how game to game he gives his team a chance to win with how consistent he is, week in and week out. Look at 36 touchdowns and four interceptions. To play at such a high level and be consistent is the biggest thing.”
Green Bay Packers OLB Clay Matthews, the NFL’s Tasmanian Devil, a player who is in constant motion, attacking from here, there and everywhere is the Defensive Player of the Year. Even while fighting through injuries this season, he was the most feared defender in the league, accumulating 13 1/2 sacks, 60 tackles, an interception, two forced fumbles and carrying the Packers into the playoffs for a second straight year.
“Clay is a high-motor guy," says Colts DE Dwight Freeney about Matthews. "It’s a little bit different because he’s a linebacker. As a linebacker, they move you around a little bit more and he gets some matchups with tight ends and backs a little more than you would as a defensive end. He does a tremendous job of taking advantage of the opportunities given to him. …Basically, he gets those one-on-one matchups, and when you get them you have to win them. He’s definitely one of those ‘dominate’ guys.”
Driven by an improved work ethic, change in lifestyle and quality coaching, Philadelphia Eagles QB Michael Vick is the Comeback Player of the Year. The NFC South champion Falcons received two coaching awards, Coach of the Year Mike Smith and Coordinator of the Year Mike Mularkey, the team's offensive coordinator. The powerful Detroit Lions DT
Sporting News surveyed 617 NFL players, coaches and executives to determine the awards and all-pro team. The all-rookie team was determined by SN writers, editors and correspondents. Executive of the Year will be announced in the February 14 issue of Sporting News.
The new issue of Sporting News features Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan on the cover and is available on newsstands later this week. It also features a special section celebrating Sporting News' 125th Anniversary. Throughout 2011, Sporting News will look back at the last 125 years and put to rest some of the greatest arguments in sports with The Great Sports Debates. The series kicks off in this issue with the 10 Greatest NFL teams of all time.
ALL-PRO TEAM
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Defense:
ALL-ROOKIE TEAM
Offense:
Defense:
