I love the idea of the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award, and I wish the NFL had something similar. The NBA rewarding a player who hasn’t always been a superstar, but has instead continued to work hard and hone their craft is a noble idea well executed.
Sure, there’s Comeback Player of the Year, but that’s been mostly relegated to “best player who was injured last season,” so I thought to myself, why not give such players what little shine I can by creating a team full of them? And so I present to you, the 2022 All Big Year Team. Below I outline the 11 offensive players who, for my money, have most outpaced expectations compared to their preseason hype. Are these the best players at their positions? No, but you better believe they’re all playing with a chip on their shoulder.
I don’t keep up with defensive players nearly as closely as I do offensive players, so I have no idea when the defensive counterpart to this article will come out.
QB: Geno Smith, Seattle
We’re starting the list with maybe the most obvious inclusion. After an unimpressive stint under center with the Seahawks last year, most had the Seattle offense marked to flounder. Some even believed Drew Lock could return under center. But, through a reverent six games, Smith easily leads the league in completion percentage, has more touchdowns than Tom Brady, and a higher first down percentage than Joe Burrow.
RB: Khalil Herbert, Chicago
Khalil Herbert has been one of the few bright spots on an otherwise limp Bears offense, but was for the most part disregarded as David Montgomery’s backup before the season started. Being 11th in total rushing yards is already impressive, but it becomes much more laudable when you realize he has the 25th most carries. Give him the ball more, Eberflus.
TE: David Njoku, Cleveland
Njoku, largely being relegated to splitting time with others at the position, had not had a particularly notable receiving campaign since 2018. However, by offering him a contract extension this offseason, the Browns clearly showed they still believed he was an integral part of the offense, and their belief has paid off in spades. Mark Andrews and Travis Kelce still have a firm grip as the top two tight ends in the league, but when looking at this season, one could easily make the argument for Njoku.
WR: Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis; Christian Kirk, Jacksonville; Marquise Brown, Arizona
After an up-and-down start to his career, nobody would have been surprised to see Matt Ryan’s introduction to the Colts offense slow Pittman’s production. Instead, he is 10th in the league in total receptions.
While most of us were talking about the exorbitant contract that Jacksonville offered Christian Kirk this offseason, it fell to the wayside a bit that Kirk is a talented young receiver. He’s certainly reminded us, and is living his best life in the Jags new-look offense.
Hollywood Brown is probably too good of a player to be on this list (and, after suffering a foot injury last week, his season may be over), but his performance in carrying the Arizona receiving game in DeAndre Hopkins’ absence has been notable, and worth commemorating.
LT: Jedrick Wills, Cleveland
In the offseason, I wrote that Wills was a fine LT, but may not be the future at the position for Cleveland. I was sorely mistaken. Through six weeks, Wills leads all eligible tackles in pass-block win rate.
LG: Nate Herbig, NY Jets
The Jets running game has been fantastic this season, and the offensive lines admirable play in spite of injuries has been a key factor. Herbig, who started the season being sent to waivers by the Eagles, has played exceedingly well and could be in the conversation to keep his starting role.
C: Erik McCoy, New Orleans
The Saints line has been a much-improved group this season, and McCoy is perhaps the clearest example. He is currently sixth in both run-blocking and pass-blocking win rate, with only Creed Humphrey being higher in both counts.
RG: Dylan Parham, Las Vegas
The Vegas offense has not come close to reaching its lofty preseason expectations, but that’s no fault of Parhams. The rookie guard has been a bastion for the Raiders o-line and has even stepped in at center for short stretches.
RT: Kaleb McGary, Atlanta
McGary was a question mark on a Falcons offensive line that most expected to be poor at the start of the season, but the Falcons RT has been perhaps the single most improved player in the entire NFL so far in 2022.
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