By definition, The Loftys are an award that’s given to those who preformed above and beyond the call of duty – i.e. their performances were “lofty.” So yes, there are plenty of awards out there, but only The Loftys are just a touch off base, yet right on target. Without further delay, it’s time to open the virtual envelopes and reveal the winners of a 2012 Lofty.
“The Rookie” Lofty:
This was a tough one. You could give it to Andrew Luck, the #1 pick from the 2012 NFL draft. The Colts were 10-6 in 2010 with Peyton Manning and 2-14 without him last year. In 2012, Luck pushed the Colts back into the playoffs. I also considered the #2 pick, RG III. The nation’s capital has a case of playoff fever as the Skins’ captured their first divisional title since 1999. And of course, way out in the Pacific Northwest 5’10” Russell Wilson played like he was taller than Bigfoot for the Seahawks.
But in the end, the Lofty goes to a guy that didn’t get picked until day 3 with the 173rd pick of the 2012 NFL draft. It was pick 6c for the Redskins, which was a pick acquired in the Donovan McNabb trade: Alfred Morris, Running Back, Florida Atlantic.
Morris rushed for the 3rd-highest rookie total in NFL history, with 1,613 yards to go along with 13 touchdowns. Morris put an exclamation point on his season, and tied up his Lofty, with a 200-yard, three-touchdown performance in last Sunday night’s play-in game against the Dallas Cowboys.
“Coach of the Year” Lofty:
Hands down, no doubt about it. Bruce Arians of the Indianapolis Colts. When you sign up to be the offensive coordinator and quarterback mentor for the draft’s #1 pick, you’ve got your work cut out for you. When your head coach is diagnosed with leukemia and you have to take over on an interim basis, your plate is overflowing. Arians handled the situation with grace and should be commended. And he is with a Lofty.
“Most Outstanding Performers” Loftys:
Yes, I went plural. You just can’t separate these guys, so I’m not going to try.
Adrian Peterson on Christmas Eve 2011: Torn ACL.
Adrian Peterson on New Year’s Eve Eve 2012: 2,097 yards rushing.
Peyton Manning of the Colts in 2011: Secret neck surgeries.
Peyton Manning of the Broncos in 2012: Tebow who? At 13-3, Denver is the AFC’s team to beat.
“Zebra” Lofty:
This one goes to the real refs. Boy, did we miss them. We felt like we were the “defenseless receivers.” Never before did it feel so good to hear those overly detailed explanations that only a head coach could love. With the speed of the game and the accuracy of calls all reviewed by hi-def, having the real guys back made a world of difference. What more could we ask for? Well, maybe a guide book on what truly constitutes pass interference.
“And the Kicker is…” Lofty:
You heard it here first: kickers need a little love now and then, so they get a Lofty all their own.
Kai Forbath. Kai who, you ask? Forbath replaced the Redskins’ Billy Cundiff (who was the Ravens’ kicker when this happened) and the first-year kicker promply hit 17 in a row before pounding the right upright on a 37-yard attempt against the Cowboys in Week 17. Forbath’s next kicking assignment will be in the postseason — not bad for a kid kicking his shag bag of balls at local high schools in September and October.
So those are the recipients of The Loftys for the 2012 season. Be on the look out for those whose go above and beyond while chasing that shiny Lombardi trophy over the next five weeks.
— James Lofton
James Lofton is the analyst for Westwood One’s coverage of Sunday Night Football. This week, Dave Sims, James and Hub Arkush will be on hand to bring you the final game of Wild Card Weekend as the Washington Redskins host the Seattle Seahawks. Coverage beings at approximately 4:15 PM Eastern on Sunday afternoon.
;
