NFC North: Midseason Awards
By Tooch
Nov 2, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) rushes against the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 29-26. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
NFC North Offensive Rookie of the Year: Teddy Bridgewater, Minnesota Vikings
It hasn’t been pretty at all for Bridgewater so far this season, but things rarely are for rookie quarterbacks in the NFL. Despite plenty of struggles, Bridgewater has showed continued improvement so far this season and has firmly established himself as the Vikings’ starting quarterback. He gets the nod for this award based more on his potential for the second half of the season than anything. In six games this season, Bridgewater has thrown for 1,321 yards, three touchdowns, five interceptions and ran for a score as well. He’s notched a 3-3 record in those games and should be able to help the Vikings turn in a respectable season, especially given all of the turmoil surrounding them at the start.
Honorable Mention: Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers
Sep 28, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller (23) warms up prior to to a game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
NFC North Defensive Rookie of the Year: Kyle Fuller, Chicago Bears
Through the first few weeks of the season, Fuller appeared to have a stranglehold on this award. However, since then he has come down to Earth a bit and is currently struggling with some injuries. Fuller still remains tied for third in the league with three interceptions and is second in the league with three forced fumbles. He has done a fantastic job of filling in for the injured Charles Tillman on an otherwise not-so-fantastic defense and should be an integral part of the Bears for years to come. It’s difficult to judge a draft pick’s potential after just eight games, but so far Fuller looks like a home run for General Manager Phil Emery and the Bears.
Honorable Mention: Anthony Barr, Minnesota Vikings