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The Best Of The Best

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By IRA KAUFMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 28, 2008

TAMPA - It's time to hand out the hardware for a 2008 NFL season marked by suspension, dissension, controversial officiating, key injuries and a flood of terrific performances.

Here's a toast to the best of the best.

MVP: Falcons RB Michael Turner

Some people can't wait to hand this award to Peyton Manning, but Eli's big brother did little through the first seven games. Meanwhile, Turner celebrated his Atlanta debut with a 220-yard effort that showed alienated fans this franchise knew what it was doing in free agency. Turner has lost only one fumble in 352 carries, and the playoff-bound Falcons are 8-0 when he rushes for more than 81 yards.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER:

Saints QB Drew Brees

It's a wonder Brees' right arm doesn't fall off from overuse. Despite a plodding ground game, Brees directs the NFL's No. 1 attack and he's been remarkable on third down, throwing 11 TD passes and one interception. Dan Marino's single-season mark for passing yards will fall if Brees burns Carolina for 402 yards today.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER:

Steelers LB

James Harrison

Dallas LB DeMarcus Ware could break Michael Strahan's sack record today, but Harrison is the dynamic linchpin of the league's premier defense with 16 sacks, seven forced fumbles and 101 tackles. His pressure off the edge keys the success of Pittsburgh's 3-4 alignment.

COACH OF THE YEAR:

Tony Sparano, Dolphins

Bill Parcells has done a splendid job shopping for groceries, but it's Sparano and his talented staff that keeps cooking up winners. The Dolphins are 10-5, one year removed from a 1-15 disaster, and Sparano's wildcats have displayed remarkable discipline.

OFFENSIVE ROOKIE:

Falcons QB Matt Ryan

The decision to start Ryan from Game 1 has paid huge dividends for this resurrected franchise. He remains poised and savvy beyond his years, and Ryan has been picked off only once in 98 fourth-quarter attempts. Bucs coach Jon Gruden is already a big fan, although Ryan struggled in both games against Tampa Bay.

DEFENSIVE ROOKIE:

Patriots LB Jerod Mayo

Bucs CB Aqib Talib has the look of a future star, but Mayo has been more productive in his first pro season. The rangy first-round pick out of Tennessee has registered 119 tackles while helping to keep New England's defense in the top 10 despite a flurry of injuries.

COMEBACK PLAYER:

Buccaneers WR

Antonio Bryant

QB Chad Pennington is writing a feel-good story in Miami, but Bryant has literally come off the couch to emerge as one of the league's premier deep threats. He is carrying Tampa Bay's offense down the stretch, and the Bucs appear to have little choice but to pay the man and keep him from testing the free-agent market.

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