Eagles End of Season Awards: Who’s the MVP, OPOY, and DPOY for the Eagles
24 January 2019 Uncategorized
The season has ended and as we approached the two-week mark of this, it is time to hand out some awards. Overall, it was an up and down season for the Eagles, but in the end, they were able to make the playoffs. The Eagles finished 9-7, beat the Chicago Bears in the wildcard round, but fell the next week to the New Orleans Saints. A few players really stepped up for the Eagles this season and without further ado, here are your 2018 end of season awards.
MVP: S Malcolm Jenkins
He is the iron man, the leader of this team. Jenkins played in every game, in fact, he played every possible snap. That is 1,038 snaps. With all the injuries, Jenkins kept the secondary intact and was able to get the best out of the Eagles’ makeshift unit. On the season, Jenkins had 97 total tackles, three forced fumbles, one sack, and one interception. Opposing quarterbacks completed just 48 passes for 481 yards and three touchdowns on him. All year, Jenkins was playing at a very high level. Without Jenkins, there is not say how bad the defense would have been this year. One thing is for sure, with him, they were able to overcome a lot of adversity. Going forward, Jenkins is going to continue to lead this team and make sure the defense plays at a high level.
OPOY: TE Zach Ertz
This year was a big one for Ertz as he put himself in Canton. Ertz set an NFL record for receptions in a season with 116. He also added 1,163 yards and eight touchdowns to his season total. When the Eagles needed someone to come up in the clutch for the offense, Ertz was their guy. He was a major part of the offense and like Jenkins, it is hard to imagine how the Eagles would have done offensively without him. In a down year for the offense, Ertz was able to step up and have his best year yet. When it comes to tight ends in the NFL, Ertz is definitely one of the best, if not the best.
DPOY: DT Fletcher Cox
Cox had a career year for the Eagles this season, This season he had 47 total tackles, 10.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 34 quarterback hits and one forced fumble. Having 10.5 sacks was a big step up for Cox as that is now his career high. He was able to get to the quarterback more often and was a focal point on the Eagles defensive line. He is a menace in the interior for the Eagles. Cox was able to manhandle the opposition, and more importantly, he became a leader on the team this season.
Newcomer of the Year: DE Michael Bennett
The Eagles got a steal when the acquired Michael Bennett from the Seattle Seahawks. The Eagles defensive line was always their strong point and after losing a starter in free agency and due to injury, Bennett assured the Eagles they would not lose their defensive strength. Bennett had nine sacks, 34 total tackles, 30 quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles. For just a fifth-round pick, this trade was justified this season.
Photo Credit: NFL
Ryan Neal Fletcher Cox, Malcolm Jenkins, Michael Bennett, Zach Ertz