It’s looking like a dead heat between Cooper Kupp and and Jonathan Taylor for the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year award, which will be announced at the NFL Honors show on Feb. 10. But the first real indicator that Kupp might edge out Taylor has been revealed.
The Pro Football Writers of America voted Kupp the Offensive Player of the Year for 2021, giving it to him over Taylor. Aaron Rodgers was voted MVP and T.J. Watt won Defensive Player of the Year, which is how the voting for the Associated Press’ awards are expected to go, as well.
Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers is the PFWA's 2021 NFL Most Valuable Player. L.A. Rams WR Cooper Kupp is the Offensive Player of the Year, and Pittsburgh Steelers LB T.J. Watt is the Defensive Player of the Year.
— Pro Football Writers (@PFWAwriters) January 26, 2022
Kupp put together a historic season with 145 catches for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns, leading the NFL in all three categories. He fell four catches shy of Michael Thomas’ single-season record and only 17 yards short of Calvin Johnson’s record for the most yards in one season.
Given the historical context of Kupp’s campaign, he’s a deserving pick for Offensive Player of the Year, even with the tremendous season Taylor put together.