New Orleans Saints Team MVP, Rookie Awards at the Quarter Pole

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One of the worst mistakes NFL writers, bloggers, and fans make every year is misidentifying the quarter pole. It’s used each season after the first quarter of the season, providing a great opportunity to name early rookie standouts and candidates for a team’s most valuable player.

But it’s a mistake. The term “quarter pole” comes from horse racing, meaning the red-and-white pole that indicates only a quarter of a mile is left from the finish line. So we’re going to use the phrase correctly and hand out New Orleans Saints awards now that the first twelve weeks are in the books. Here are your Saints players of the year so far:

Most Valuable Player of the Year: WR Michael Thomas
It doesn't matter who guards or him or who throws to him: Thomas gets open and makes the catch, week in and week out.

Most-Improved Player of the Year: FS Marcus Williams
Williams bagged two interceptions and three pass breakups In 16 games last year. Through 12 this year, he's tied for second-best in the league for interceptions (4) and has deflected a dozen passes.

Comeback Player of the Year: DT Sheldon Rankins
Rankins tore his Achilles back in January, which could have ended his season before it got off the ground. Instead, he's bounced back to help his team.

Breakout Player of the Year: SS Vonn Bell
Bell was a quiet piece of the Saints secondary and largely a part-time player going into 2019. Now he leads the NFL's defenders in fumbles recovered (5) and ranks second on the team in tackles.

Rookie of the Year, Offense: C Erik McCoy
McCoy has stepped into a difficult position as a rookie starter, and given the Saints almost nothing to complain about. He's limited his rookie mistakes and kept his quarterbacks clean all year long.

Rookie of the Year, Defense: DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson
Gardner-Johnson put in the work on special teams to earn playing-time with the defense, and he's rewarded the Saints with serious playmaking ability as a slot defender.

Rookie of the Year, Special Teams: WR Deonte Harris
Harris missed two games with an injury and he's still the only player in the NFL with 200-plus yards returning punts and 300-plus yards returning kickoffs. He's been sensational.