Oakland Raiders Mid-Season Awards

By Anthony Carroll  |   Thursday, November 03, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

Oakland Raiders
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With the first half of the 2005 NFL Season coming to a close, it's that time of the year to award those individuals who have provided fans with an exemplary eight weeks for the Oakland Raiders.

Offensive MVP: Kerry Collins-Collins has silenced critics this year by playing one great game after another. Through seven games, Collins has completed 56 percent of his passes for 1,882 yards and 10 touchdowns. The most glaring of his stats are his league-low two interceptions and his 91.3 quarterback rating. If #5 can keep up this play, he will be well on his way to a career-best season.

Defensive MVP: Entire Defensive Line-When an opposing quarterback of the Raiders states, "I don't think I've ever been hit as much," something extraordinary is happening in Oakland. Through all 16 games in 2004, the Raiders had just 25 sacks-through seven games this year, the sack total is 17. Led by free-agent acquisition Derrick Burgess (7 sacks) and veteran Warren Sapp (4.5 sacks), Oakland is finally finding a way to disrupt the passing game of their opponents. In a week eight win at Tennessee, Oakland reached quarterback Steve McNair six times-two more sacks than their team leader had last year.

Special Teams MVP: Jarrod Cooper-As a punt returner in the NFL, a fair catch wouldn't be a bad idea if Jarrod Cooper is running down the field at you at full-speed-or even half-speed for that matter. San Diego Chargers punt returner Eric Parker was lucky enough to live through one of Cooper's intense hits. After failing to call a fair catch on a punt in week six, Parker was flung onto his back, the ball was jarred free, and he was pulled from punt return duty for the remainder of the game. Cooper lives for these plays each and every game-more often than not he is a major part of them as well.

Rookie of the (Half) Year: Kirk Morrison-A third-round linebacker out of San Diego State, Morrison leads the team with 57 tackles-good for eleventh in the NFL. Morrison is showing why he was the Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2004, as he is on pace for 130 tackles. Morrison also leads the team in tackles for a loss and has at least seven tackles in every game this season.

Comeback Player of the (Half) Year: Warren Sapp-The Sapp attack is back. When the Oakland Raiders signed #99 prior to the 2004 season, they expected much more out of him than the 2.5 sacks he mustered up. In nine less games this season, Sapp already has surpassed several of last years totals: he already has two more sacks, three more pass deflections, one extra forced fumble, and even an interception. While he may not have taken the Garrison Hearst approach to getting this award, he certainly came back from the slump he was in a year ago.

Most fit to be an Oakland Raider: Robert Gallery (search Google images)

Most Entertaining: Randy Moss-Even slowed by injuries, Moss is a one-man show. If his 535 receiving yards does not say enough, the 21.4 yard per catch average should speak 1,000 words. Right off the bat, Oakland fans had become aware of just how electrifying Moss is to an entire team. In week one's loss to New England, Moss racked up 130 yards with a 73-yard touchdown pass in front of Rodney Harrison. In his last three games, Moss has seen little playing time due to injuries. However just having him on the field is enough for defenses to shift their attention to #18.

Best Endzone Celebrations: LaMont Jordan-Keep in mind you need to see the endzone to celebrate, so this award holds more than meets the eye. Former NY Jets running back LaMont Jordan has seen the endzone nine teams this season-both rushing and receiving-and he recently made it a custom to show his gratification thereafter. In Oakland's last two road wins, Jordan has scored four times and has shown his less-known creative side-using a chainsaw, television remote, and banjo to taunt the opposing crowds.

Last, but certainly not least…

Best Name: Brad Lekkerkerker
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About Anthony Carroll

Anthony Carroll began writing for RealFootball365.com on Sept. 26, 2005, making him one of the longest tenured contributors to the “365” team. As a senior writer, Anthony has taken on the task of delivering original content to the silver and black faithful year round, despite having to deal...
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