The Broncos have reached the midway point of the season, accumulating a 5-3 record through their first eight games and holding a one-game lead in the AFC West. The team’s performance along the way has garnered several awards and distinctions.
“Anytime you have team success, those kinds of awards come along,” Head Coach John Fox said. “I hope there are many more to come because that means we’re having good team success.”
Below is a list of various midseason honors for Broncos players, coaches and executives:
RYAN CLADY: All-Pro Offensive Tackle (Dan Pompei) – The fifth-year tackle is the only left tackle to have started at least eight games in 2012 without allowing a sack.
JOHN ELWAY: Executive of the Year (New York Post, ProFootballWeekly.com) – Led the charge to acquire veteran free agents such as quarterback Peyton Manning, safeties Mike Adams and Jim Leonhard, cornerback Tracy Porter, wide receivers Brandon Stokley and Trindon Holliday, linebacker Keith Brooking, tight ends Jacob Tamme and Joel Dreessen, defensive tackle Justin Bannan and center Dan Koppen.
PEYTON MANNING: Offensive Player of the Year (Grantland.com), Comeback Player of the Year (Peter Schrager, Sporting News, New York Post, Sports Illustrated), All-Pro (Dan Pompei) – Ranks in the top 4 in passing yards and touchdowns and is No. 1 in passer rating through Week 9.
MIKE McCOY: Offensive Coordinator of the Year (Sporting News) – Leads an offensive attack that ranks fourth or better in yards per game, points per game and first downs per game.
VON MILLER: All-Pro (Pro Football Focus, Peter King) – Is tied for first in the league with 17 tackles for loss and tied for second with nine sacks through Week 9.
Game of the Year: Broncos 35, Chargers 24 (SI.com) – The Broncos overcame a 24-point halftime deficit by scoring 35 unanswered points in the second half. It was the biggest comeback victory in team history.
In addition to the list of midseason honors, the Broncos have also taken home numerous weekly or monthly awards throughout the year.
WESLEY WOODYARD: AFC Defensive Player of the Week – Against New Orleans in Week 8, Woodyard racked up a game-high 13 tackles, a sack, an interception, a forced fumble and a pass breakup.
OFFENSIVE LINE: Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award – Also in Week 8, the offensive line consisting of Ryan Clady, Zane Beadles, Dan Koppen, Chris Kuper and Orlando Franklin earned the award for the league’s top offensive line. The unit kept Manning from being sacked in 30 pass attempts and helped the team rush for a season-high 225 yards in addition to 305 passing yards.
TEAM: GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Week – In Week 6, the Broncos stormed back from a 24-point halftime deficit to beat San Diego on Monday Night Football.
PEYTON MANNING: AFC Offensive Player of the Week – In the Broncos’ historic comeback, Manning threw for 309 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. His 129.0 rating and 80-percent completion rate led all AFC quarterbacks in Week 6. It was the 22nd time the quarterback has earned the distinction, the award’s all-time leader.
AFC Offensive Player of the Month – In the month of October, Manning threw for 951 yards and nine touchdowns with an NFL-best passer rating of 126.7.
MATT PRATER: AFC Special Teams Player of the Week – In the team’s 37-6 victory against Oakland in Week 4, Prater connected on all three field goal attempts and all four extra point tries in Denver’s 37-6 win vs. Oakland. In addition, Prater produced touchbacks on all eight kickoffs. It was the fourth time Prater has earned the distinction.
TRACY PORTER: AFC Defensive Player of the Week – Porter sealed the victory for Denver in his Broncos debut with a 43-yard interception return for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter of the team’s opening-night victory against Pittsburgh. He also broke up five passes on the night to go along with eight tackles.
Tags: Midseason Awards
Proud to be a Broncos fan. Go get that Lombardi.
Here is some important data that could help break down what the Panthers do and what Denver can do.
http://www.catscratchreader.com/2012/11/6/3606896/breaking-down-the-data-panthers-vs-redskins-RGIII-Cam-Newton-Greg-Hardy
This cracks me up…
“This one could be a doozy. The Broncos Offense is clicking under Peyton Manning, dicing opponents with the intermediate passing game, and dealing deathblows with deep bombs, while the running game is still going strong with Willis McGahee. The Broncos will likely set the tone, and I suspect we will see a lot of nickel defense. The only prayer I see for the Panthers’ Defense is the pass rush; if the front four can get to Manning quickly, it will alleviate pressure from Norman, Munnerlyn, Thomas, etc…”
News flash, the Bengals have been tops in the league at getting to the Qb and they had 0 sacks on Manning. Good luck Carolina.
NICE..MAN CLADY PLAYING LIKE HE DID HIS ROOKIE YEAR..EVERY BRONCO ON THIS LIST SHOULD BE BRONCOS 4 LIFE..LESSGO BRONCOS
Lets go denver man this season is one to remember and lets bring home that Lombardi
From PFF, “If you’re Pro Bowl voting and Miller isn’t on your ballot then you’re doing it wrong. He already has 44 quarterback disruptions and has another 19 defensive stops. It’s like he’s addicted to making plays.”
I’m proud of my Broncos getting some honors, but all that really matters is getting that Lombardi trophy.
This means a lot…it shows the team is making things happen, and staying humble–
Great job, guys!!
Go Broncos!!