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New England Patriot’s Mid-Season Awards: Tom Brady MVP

By Adam London

Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass under pressure by Buffalo Bills defensive end Kyle Williams (95) and linebacker Lerentee McCray (56) during the second half at New Era Field. The Patriots beat the Bills 41-25. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass under pressure by Buffalo Bills defensive end Kyle Williams (95) and linebacker Lerentee McCray (56) during the second half at New Era Field. The Patriots beat the Bills 41-25. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 15, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New England Patriots running back
Nov 15, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New England Patriots running back /

Offensive Player of the Year – LeGarrette Blount

Going into the season, there was a big question mark surrounding the Patriot’s running game. With Brady on the sidelines and two rookie quarterbacks under center, it was assumed that the backfield would need to pick up the slack and carry the load.

Blount did just that, and has proven to be one of the more powerful backs in the NFL. He currently leads the league in touchdowns with nine and is sixth overall in yards with 609. Blount has been nearly unstoppable in goal line or short yard situations, and has caused for defenses to be weary of him, opening up the passing attack. Expect Blount to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark by season’s end.

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Defensive Player of the Year – Dont’a Hightower

You could go on for days talking about the importance of Hightower to this Patriot’s defense, he really does it all.

As the anchor and play caller, Hightower seems to make an impact on nearly every down. At times he will look like a classic ‘90s run-stuffing middle linebacker, and other times he will show more finesse and skill covering slot receivers or running backs out of the backfield. So far this year he has posted a respectable 33 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a safety.

While Hightower is arguably the most important piece of this Patriot’s defense, he is arguably even more so now given the departure of Jamie Collins. A sound, fundamental middle linebacker is a staple in a Bill Belichick defense, a la Tedy Bruschi and Jerod Mayo. Hightower is continuing that trend is captaining one of the better defenses in the NFL.

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