Kansas City Chiefs Midseason Arrowhead Addict Awards
John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
The Kansas City Chiefs are more than halfway through their 2013 season. Heading into the bye week, the Chiefs have exceeded all expectations, and that’s putting it lightly.
Last season, Kansas City went 2-14. This year, through 10 weeks, Kansas City is 9-0.
The turnaround has been covered at great lengths here at Arrowhead Addict, and we’re looking forward to walking with you through the second part of the season.
Week 8 was technically the halfway mark for Kansas City, but with the bye week so conveniently splitting the season up, we couldn’t think of a better time to do our Midseason Arrowhead Addict Awards.
So sit back, throw on the Tomahawk Chop, and enjoy the Triple A’s.
Biggest Surprise: Marcus Cooper, CB
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The Biggest Surprise award could actually double as a Rookie of The Midseason award, because it’s going to a surprise rookie standout.
Marcus Cooper made his way into the lineup due to injuries, and he’s probably not going to make his way out of it. Cooper has played in all nine games so far, but he really started to make his impact around Week 5.
He notched three tackles, an interception and three passes defended against the Tennessee Titans on the road. He then followed that up with an interception, five tackles and five passes defended against Oakland.
Last weekend against the Bills, Cooper forced a fumble, which lead to a Tamba Hali touchdown return, and that was the play that probably sealed the game and a 9-0 record for Kansas City.
Cooper has proven himself to be a playmaker in a short period of time, and he’s quickly becoming one of the best rookie defenders in the NFL.
Most Improved: Dontari Poe, DT
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Coming into this season, Dontari Poe was underwhelming. In his rookie season, Poe only notched 38 tackles, and he wasn’t productive as a pass-rusher.
After an offseason that saw him slim down and a transition to a more aggressive 3-4 front, Poe is a completely different player. In fact, he’s become one of the most dominant defensive tackles in the NFL.
He already has 36 tackles this season and has accumulated 4.5 sacks. He’s physically dominated opponents, but has also displayed some elite quickness and agility for such a big player.
Poe has truly taken his game up a notch or two, and he’s one of the major reasons Kansas City is still undefeated in 2013.
Most Underrated: Anthony Sherman, FB
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For every yard Kansas City runs for, there’s a good chance Anthony Sherman is leading the way. Sherman has been a steady force this season, and he’s paved the way for more than a few touchdowns. He’s basically Jamaal Charles’ personal security guard.
Sherman has been more than just a blocker though. He’s also caught 13 passes for 106 yards and one touchdown.
Best Offensive Player: Jamaal Charles, RB
Jamaal Charles is the heartbeat of this offense. He’s one of the best all-around running backs in the NFL, and in 2013, the case could be made that he is the best.
Charles has run for 725 yards and six touchdowns so far, and he’s snagged 47 receptions for 389 yards and two touchdowns through the air.
He’s made some big runs and has been a force on the ground, especially near the goal line. He’s also found ways to get open in the passing game and keep the sticks moving.
Best Defensive Player: Tamba Hali, OLB
Justin Houston may be getting all the sack numbers, but I’m giving this award to Tamba Hali for his overall defensive play.
Houston has 11 sacks and is one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL. Not to be outdone though, Hali has nine sacks of his own. He also boasts four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one interception and two defensive touchdowns.
When we’re talking about pure production and playmaking ability, Hali can do it all for the Chiefs.
Specials Teams Award: Ryan Succop, K
As evidence for this award, I present to you the Chiefs’ last game. Kansas City’s offense didn’t score a single point on offense against the Bills. Instead, the Chiefs had to lean on the defense to score, and of course, the relatively reliable leg of Ryan Succop.
Succop is 18-of-21 in 2013, with four field goals of 50 plus yards and a long of 51.
He’s put 77 points up on the board so far.
Mid-Season Arrowhead Addict MVP: Jamaal Charles, RB
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Without Jamaal Charles, this team would barely move the ball offensively. He keeps the Chiefs offense moving for the most part, he can grind the ball and run the clock, but he’s also a big-play threat.
Charles is an overall offensive talent, and he’s your 2013 midseason Arrowhead Addict MVP.