The NFL annually airs its “NFL Honors” award show to acknowledge outstanding players, performances, and plays from the season. In a similar fashion, this Philadelphia Eagles version reflects on notable contributions from the team’s players during the past year.
Despite the Eagles’ challenging close to the 2023 season, it’s worth recognizing standout performances:
1. **Most Valuable Player: WR A.J. Brown**
– Brown displayed exceptional skills during the first half of the season, setting an NFL record with six consecutive games of at least 125 receiving yards.
2. **Coach of the Year: Special teams coordinator Michael Clay**
– After being a rare weakness in 2022, the Eagles’ special teams, under Clay’s guidance, became the No. 1 unit in the NFL in 2023, showcasing a remarkable turnaround.
3. **Comeback Player of the Year: P Braden Mann**
– Mann, cut by the Jets in 2022, made a strong comeback after joining the Eagles in Week 2, finishing eighth in punter EPA and contributing significantly to the team.
4. **Offensive Player of the Year: LT Jordan Mailata**
– In a standout year, Mailata quietly excelled in both run blocking and pass protection, standing out among the offensive linemen.
5. **Defensive Player of the Year: LB Haason Reddick**
– Despite a dip in statistics, Reddick remained a standout player on a defensive unit that faced challenges during the 2023 season.
6. **Offensive Rookie of the Year: QB Tanner McKee**
– Although McKee didn’t play a regular-season snap, his impressive preseason performance earned him recognition in a year with limited offensive draft selections.
7. **Defensive Rookie of the Year: DT Jalen Carter**
– Carter, a finalist for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, demonstrated immense talent with 33 tackles, 6 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles, showcasing promising potential.
8. **Clutch Performance of the Year: Jake Elliott’s 59-yard FG to send the Eagles to overtime vs. the Bills**
– Elliott’s remarkable 59-yard field goal in adverse conditions proved crucial, highlighting his clutch performances throughout the season.
9. **Celly (celebration) of the Year: 🤷‍♂️**
– While no specific celebration stood out, a reader pointed out the reenactment of the Dwayne Wade – LeBron James alley-oop, adding a touch of humor and camaraderie to the team.
Despite the challenges, these individual performances and moments contributed to the Eagles’ season in various impactful ways.