There’s no game for the Carolina Panthers this week as they get their annual bye. The rest couldn’t have come at a better time, as the team is beat up and needs time to recover despite a four-game winning streak. Instead of looking ahead at the next opponent on the schedule, let’s take some time to appreciate what the team has done so far.
With that in mind, here’s a few early bye-week awards for deserving players.
Offensive MVP: RB Christian McCaffrey
Coming into the 2019 season, we had McCaffrey ranked as the third-best running back in football. Clearly that was too low. Despite getting slowed down by Tampa Bay’s league-best rushing defense twice, McCaffrey leads the NFL in rushing yards (618), yards from scrimmage (923) and total touchdowns (nine). As long as McCaffrey is playing at a potential MVP level and the defense continues to perform like it has been, the Panthers can at least compete with any team.
Runner-up: OT Taylor Moton
Defensive MVP: LB Luke Kuechly
With so many standout players this season on defense, this one wasn’t nearly as easy as picking McCaffrey for offensive MVP. Nevertheless, the guy in the middle of it all is still the team’s top and most important defender. Kuechly is currently tied with Jordan Hicks and Joe Schobert for the NFL lead in tackles this season with 62. Kuechly also has one interception and a game-clinching pass breakup.
Runner-up: OLB Mario Addison
Best rookie: OLB Brian Burns
Dennis Daley is making a push thanks to a couple of brilliant games at left tackle. However, this award still belongs to Burns, who has lived up to all the hype so far and gone even further. Burns has already posted 4.5 sacks (second on the team), 11 quarterback hits and three tackles for a loss. He won Defensive Rookie of the Month in September and is well on his way to establishing himself as a star pass rusher.
Runner-up: OT Dennis Daley
Most improved: CB James Bradberry
There were several strong candidates for this award, as well. Bradberry gets the nod because he’s finally broken through in the one part of his game that could turn him into an elite defender. Prior to this season, Bradberry only had five career interceptions, but he’s got three this year already. Always solid in coverage, Bradberry has been even harder to throw at this season. His passer rating when targeted is just 46.6.
Runner-up: DT Vernon Butler
