FanHouse 'Experts' Pick NFL Award Winners

As the regular season concluded, the FanHouse football writers all got together in a secret meeting in Will Brinson's mother's basement to discuss the players of the year. Who was the best coach? Which rookie stood out? Who was the most valuable player?

After much deliberation (and tons of meatloaf), here are the FanHouse NFL Award Winners. Only players/coaches who got votes were included in the final results.

Defensive Player of the Year

Justin Tuck, NY Giants -- 10 percent
Shaun Rogers, Cleveland -- 10 percent
Albert Haynesworth, Tennessee -- 15 percent
Jared Allen, Minnesota -- 20 percent
DeMarcus Ware, Dallas -- 45 percent

His last game not withstanding, can you really argue with 20 sacks? The Cowboys' linebacker was also involved in 84 tackles and six forced fumbles in 2008.

Offensive Player of the Year

Andre Johnson, Houston -- 10 percent
Peyton Manning, Indianapolis -- 30 percent
Drew Brees, New Orleans -- 20 percent
DeAngelo Williams, Carolina -- 40 percent

It is one thing to lead the NFL in rushing touchdowns. It is a whole other to do so when you don't score in your first four games. Williams rushed for over 1,515 yards, had had five multi-touchdown games (including two with four scores) and even caught two in the end zone.

Coach of the Year

Tony Sparano, Miami -- 20 percent
Mike Smith, Atlanta -- 80 percent

You had to do something pretty impressive to smoke a coach who took his team from one win a year ago to the playoffs. That just shows how impressive Smith and his Falcons have been. A 4-11 squad last year with absolutely no upside (Joey Harrington was the leading passer in 11 games), Smith turned Atlanta into an 11-5 team with a rookie quarterback and first-time starting running back.

Comeback of the Year

Kyle Orton, Chicago -- 20 percent
Dunta Robinson, Houston -- 30 percent
Jake Delhomme, Carolina -- 50 percent

A year after Tommy John Surgery on his elbow, Delhomme threw for 3,288 yards, 15 touchdowns and has the Panthers in the playoffs at 12-4.

Offensive Rookie of the Year

Matt Forte, Chicago -- 10 percent
Chris Johnson, Tennessee -- 10 percent
Matt Ryan, Atlanta -- 80 percent

Because 2008 was the Year of the Offensive Rookie, picking one might have been tougher if Ryan hadn't been so darn good. Composed, collected and downright cool, Matty Ice was the player that kept you eying Atlanta on the corner TV at the bar.

Defensive Rookie of the Year

Chris Horton, Washington -- 20 percent
Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie, Arizona -- 30 percent
Jerod Mayo, New England -- 50 percent

When your team is 11-5 and you are the leading tackler by nearly 50 tackles, winning an award as the top rookie is fairly inevitable. On an aging defense like the Patriots, Mayo is the one young guy the team can build around.

Most Valuable Player

Drew Brees, New Orleans -- 10 percent
Albert Haynesworth, Tennessee -- 10 percent
DeAngelo Williams, Carolina -- 15 percent
Peyton Manning, Indianapolis -- 65 percent

In terms of value, nothing comes close to Manning. Brees was fantastic but his team couldn't win. Haynesworth was a beast but the injury late in the year hurt his chances. Williams was the best rusher in the league at the end of the season but the Panthers still have Jonathan Stewart. Without Peyton, this team might have won six games. An ending run of 9-0, the Colts can attribute all their success to Manning in 2008. A truly magnificent year.