Packers: Handing out awards following 2022 season
The Green Bay Packers‘ 2022 season is now in the history books.
It sure didn’t end the way the Packers hoped, and the team failed to meet preseason expectations, but it was an interesting ride.
Wildly inconsistent, we never knew what to expect from this team. On their day, they could beat talented playoff teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings.
On a bad day, they could lose to, well, just about anyone.
With the season complete, it’s time to hand out some individual awards for the Packers.
MVP: Aaron Jones
When Aaron Jones is heavily involved, the Packers’ offense improves dramatically.
Jones finished 2022 with a career-best 1,121 rushing yards with two touchdowns. He offered plenty in the receiving game, too, catching 59 passes for 395 yards and five touchdowns.
It was frustrating Jones wasn’t given more opportunities in some games, but that’s no fault of his own. When given more carries, he delivered.
Aaron Jones was the star on offense for Green Bay.
Best offensive player: Aaron Jones
For all the reasons noted above, Jones also takes home this award.
Best defensive player: Jaire Alexander
After missing most of the 2021 season due to injury, Jaire Alexander quickly got back to his All-Pro best.
Alexander made 14 pass defenses and a career-high five interceptions, while putting in some dominant performances like in Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings. He shut down star wide receiver Justin Jefferson when matched up against him.
A special season for Alexander, who was voted to his second Pro Bowl.
Best special teams player: Keisean Nixon
Despite not being Green Bay’s returner for half of the season, Keisean Nixon still posted a league-best 1,009 yards on kick returns.
Nixon averaged 28.8 yards on kick returns, his best a 105-yard touchdown return against the Vikings. He also had a 93-yard return the week prior against the Miami Dolphins.
Any time Nixon takes the ball out of the end zone, he could score.
It will be a huge shock if Nixon isn’t named an All-Pro.
Rookie of the Year: Christian Watson
Injuries and inconsistent play limited Christian Watson early in the season, but once he gained some confidence, he dominated.
Watson’s 611 receiving yards ranked second on the team, and he led the Packers in receiving touchdowns with seven.
In the final eight games of the season, Watson caught 31 passes for 523 yards and seven touchdowns.
Biggest surprise: Zach Tom
Zach Tom is a future starter along the offensive line.
He was the Packers’ top backup along the line, having to fill in at various positions, including left tackle, right tackle, and guard. But he stepped up and made an impact.
Tom replaced Yosh Nijman at right tackle in Week 18. Could he become the Packers’ future starter at the position?
Coach of the Year: Rich Bisaccia
Huge credit goes to Rich Bisaccia for helping turn things around on special teams.
Green Bay’s special teams had been the league’s worst for quite some time. Bisaccia made immediate improvements, and he helped bring key players like Keisean Nixon and Dallin Leavitt to the Packers last offseason.
By the end of the year, special teams had become a strength.
Great work from Bisaccia.