Take a breath Packer fans, we are halfway through a chaotic 2021 season. The Green and Gold have been through their ups and downs. However, through 9 games they sit atop of the NFC North at 7-2. This team has battled throughout this season, and a lot of players deserve recognition.
The Wisconsin Sports Heroics staff, who cover the Packers, all voted on their Midseason Award winners. If you disagree with any, make sure to let us know in the comments below. Without further ado, here are your 2021 Packers Midseason Awards.
Most Improved: Rashan Gary (3 Votes)
With Za’darius Smith missing most of this season, someone had to step up to fill his void. After a slow start, Gary has made his presence felt. Yes, he has 4.5 sacks on the year which would be a career-high. But it’s the consistency he is breaking down the pocket.
Gary has 42 QB pressures, 5th in the league. For context on how crazy that is, Seattle has 52 on the year as a team. Rashan has a chance next year to earn a long-term contract with the Packers. If his development keeps up like this, Gary and Za’darius might be a force to be reckoned with for years to come
Honorable Mentions: AJ Dillon (2 Votes), Keke Kinsley, Kevin King, Eric Stokes, Dean Lowry (1 Vote)
Most Disappointing Player: Amari Rodgers (3 Votes)
It’s really hard to call a rookie disappointing, but Amari has brought nothing of value to the Packers in his first 9 games in the NFL. Rodgers only has 4 touches on the whole year. That’s including two against Arizona where the wide receiver room was as empty as a Chick-Fil-a on Sunday.
His only impact on offense has been the motion man early in games. But he has to be taken out during crunch time due to his inability to create separation as a receiver. However, the reason he won this award is for his punt return against the Chiefs. He not only muffed a punt but seemed scared to return another that resulted in Kansas City getting the ball in the red zone.
Amari is a talented player, but the Packers need to find a way to use him to his strengths.
Honorable Mentions: Kevin King (2 Votes), Preston Smith, MVS, Royce Newman, Robert Tonyan (1 Vote)
Best Offseason Addition: De’Vondre Campbell (9 Votes)
The only unanimous award for a reason. Campbell has been absolutely amazing for the Packers. After signing in the offseason, Campbell has been the anchor of this now great Packers defense.
De’Vondre even won Defensive Player of the Month in October for his effort. He is the number one ranked Interior Lineback according to Pro football focus. The Packers have been short-handed on defense since early in the season, but it hasn’t felt like it.
Thanks to Campbell, this defense keeps Green Bay in games, something Packers fans haven’t seen since 2010.
Honorable Mention: Randell Cobb (0 votes)
Rookie of the Year: Eric Stokes (7 Votes)
Once again, the Packers chose to not take the first-round receiver in this year’s draft. Instead, they took a speed demon in Eric Stokes who was unknown to many Packer fans.
He’s known now.
While his season has been up and down (expected for a rookie), Stokes has immediately become a starter since injuries to Jaire Alexander and Kevin King. Stokes has great closing speed and is wholly learning how to be a lockdown corner in Joe Barry’s defense.
His main weakness now is getting beat on shot plays, but that comes with experience. But if a Za’darius and Gary duo excites you, be prepared for Jaire and Stokes for at least 3 seasons.
Honorable Mention: Josh Myers (2 votes)
Best Game: Week 8 Packers vs Cardinals (7 Votes)
Maybe there is just something in that Phoenix air because whenever the Packers play in Arizona, crazy stuff always happens.
The two best teams in the NFL met on Thursday Night in week 8. Davante Adams and Allan Lazard were declared out with COVID days before kickoff. So with a short wide receiver room, and injured on defense, the Packers went into Arizona as 7 points underdogs.
While Rodgers had a great game, the story on offense was the running duo of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. Fans got to see the full potential of this duo when they were sorely needed. The defense also helps up for most of the game, shutting down the NFL’s number one offense.
But everyone remembers how that game ended. Rasul Douglas of all people won the game in the endzone with an interception at 9 seconds, knocking off the undefeated Cardinals. This was the moment Packers fans truly believed this team was Super Bowl-bound, or at least had the talent to.
Honorable Mention: Week 3 Packers 49ers (2 votes)
Most Valuable Player: Aaron Rodgers (8 Votes)
Is there anyone else that can be considered for this award?
The reigning MVP this season has proven over and over why he is the saving grace of this organization. After a Week 1 dud against the Saints, Rodgers has been playing at once again an MVP level. It was even more apparent against the Chiefs why he is the team’s most valuable player.
Jordan Love has limitless potential, but he is far from the player Rodgers is at this point in time. The offense looked putrid against Kansas City, and the only reason was that #12 wasn’t there.
The future is uncertain for the organization and Rodgers. But for now, let’s enjoy this “Last Dance” season. Because Aaron is giving us an all-time performance once again.
Honorable Metions: AJ Dillon (1 vote)
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