Metro
2021 Lions MVP Candidates: Why a Young Defender Earned the Hardware
The Detroit Lions struggled via the 2021-22 season, however regardless that the crew completed with what many would contemplate an embarrassing 3-13-1 report, there have been nonetheless tons of standout performances on the sphere.
From the emergence of a number of rookie gamers to the continued improvement of different kids, there have been some enormous moments to rejoice on the sphere even despite all of the frustrations. Gamers led the way in which and had nice seasons with the intention to push the Lions, and will get some spoils of this because of this.
The newest Lions information straight to your inbox! Be a part of the Heavy on Lions publication right here!
Be a part of Heavy on Lions!
How ought to issues stack up for the Lions by way of MVP candidates and who ought to take house the award? Right here’s a glance.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, Broad Receiver
A giant purpose the Lions had been in a position to have such a powerful end to the 12 months? The way in which St. Brown carried out down the stretch for the crew. The rookie not solely shattered Roy Williams’ franchise report for receiving yards in a season by a first-year participant within the recreation, he additionally managed to gather a surprising quantity of receptions this 12 months with 90 and 912 yards and 5 touchdowns. Along with the passing touchdowns, St. Brown appeared like a serious weapon a lot of the season for the Lions working with the ball as nicely.
St. Brown has been on hearth for the Lions down the stretch, and the catches he made late within the season proved how necessary he was for the Detroit offense. The Lions have seen St. Brown come into his personal with large performs, and the actual fact he turned in additional through the season finale is large for his confidence. Consequently, he must be thought-about because the crew’s MVP final 12 months.
Charles Harris, Defensive Finish
Harris has but to point out indicators of being a constantly elite cross rusher within the NFL all through his early profession, however he did with the Lions in 2021 given the key want Detroit had on the edge spot. The Lions re-made their protection this previous offseason, and in earlier years the crew didn’t present a capability to get after the quarterback. That has disappeared up to now in 2021, and Harris was a serious purpose why with 7.5 sacks and 65 tackles. Having Harris come on in the way in which he did was enormous for the protection, and he was a crew chief for the way in which he performed.
Watching highlights from the most effective recreation Harris performed in 2021, he’s clearly a really gifted participant:
Harris must be thought-about as Detroit’s MVP due to what he did.
Penei Sewell, Offensive Sort out
Would it not be odd to offer the MVP award to a rookie? Maybe, however Sewell was no odd rookie for the Lions, which was clear from the beginning. The 2021-22 season was a powerful begin for Sewell and his profession within the league is greater than a little bit of an understatement. The offensive deal with excelled irrespective of the place he was enjoying. Sewell was one of many top-graded tackles within the league as a rookie, and routinely opened eyes for his capability to maintain whomever was enjoying quarterback for the Lions upright in addition to serving to the working recreation succeed. Sewell didn’t crack the Professional Bowl for his rookie work, however the reality he was secure on the sphere needs to be sufficient of a plus for the Lions shifting ahead. As a complete, Sewell began 16 complete video games for the Lions and was a mainstay up entrance for the crew.
He makes a compelling case to be the MVP of the crew this previous 12 months given now he saved issues collectively when the road was rankled by harm.
Amani Oruwariye, Cornerback
There was few gamers extra necessary to the Lions than Oruwariye. His profession had gotten off to a good begin given he completed 2019 with 2 interceptions and 19 tackles for the Lions, however has been a participant who has delivered earlier than given his work in school. Throughout the 2020 season on the sphere, he had 53 tackles, 1 interception and seven passes defended, which means he was simply in a position to eclipse his statistical work from final season. 2021 was Oruwaryie’s finest season but, with 6 interceptions and 57 tackles to go along with 11 passes defended. All season lengthy, Oruwariye appeared the half for the Lions and was arguably the most effective candidate for MVP given the sleek performs he turned in on the sphere this season.
No doubting Oruwariye had an awesome season for the Lions and is pushing for extra sooner or later.
2021-22 Heavy Detroit Lions’ MVP
Amani Oruwariye
Begin to end, there was no one higher than Oruwariye for the Lions. Not solely was he elite by way of intercepting the ball and making large performs for the protection, he elevated the play of his teammates round him. The Lions noticed loads of issues play out at cornerback with accidents, and till he was injured himself, Oruwariye was secure and adjusted the sport a number of instances for the Lions. Maybe out of nowhere, Oruwariye surges ahead and claims this award for the Lions this previous season.
READ NEXT: Full Ultimate Grades for Lions’ 2021-22 Season
