The Bucpower Annual Awards – My nominations Offensive Player of the Year: The offensive line. Without Messrs Penn, Sears, Wade, Joseph and Trueblood, does anyone think our 3rd string running back would be in double digit TDs, and close to 1,000 yards in a dozen games? Would our dinosaurs have had the season they have? Not a chance – with one rookie and three second year guys in there we may have our offensive line set, save for a centre, for the next decade. Fantastic work guys, you really are our key to the playoffs! Defensive Player of the Year: Greg White? Ronde Barber? Tanard Jackson? Jermaine Phillips? Jovan Haye? Gaines Adams? All have had outstanding seasons, and the fact we’re back in the top 3 defenses is a testament to the determination of our vets and talent of our rookies. That said, one guy stands out – Barrett Ruud, I salute you. Your first full season, over 110 tackles, and several 10 tackle games – throw in a few forced fumbles and interceptions and you have one of the best MLBs in the NFL – no Pro Bowl? There’s always the next decade! Special Teams Player of the Year: Micheal Spurlock and it’s not even close. Rookie of the Year: I wanted to plump for Greg White here, but after reading that he’s ineligible (see Paul’s nominations) it’s a straight fight between Arron Sears and Tanard Jackson. Whilst Gaines Adams has had an excellent second half of the season (As pointed out by Wayne Maw on the forum, whose signature is a full record of his stats!) Sears and TJ have led the way – Sears for Mr August, and TJ for the defense. Take it away TJ! Bob Timoney Memorial Award for Buccaneer of the Year: As Paul has ruled himself ineligible, and Phil Jones has already won this award, who has done most for the Buccaneers this year? Denis Crawford for his book McKays’ Men and his regular historical column on Bucpower. Credit also goes to Nick Houllis for his excellent videos! Allan Lees Memorial Award for Writer of the Year: Lee Bromfield has kept up his often bizarre, yet well written columns, Wayne Maw continues to be Mini Mel for Bucpower, Denis Crawford has already won my nomination for something else so he’s out, Paul runs the entire website so can’t possibly have time to accept an award, Roy Cummings and Martin Fennelly are paid, so they’re out(!!), which means it’s between myself and Mike Davison. Because of my modesty, and the fact he’s a better writer than I am – it helps that he has a sense of humour, and I prefer to read his stuff than my own too – my nomination goes to Mike! Dickhead of the Year: Michael Vick – whilst I’d have liked to nominate Monsieur Halling and Brandon Jackson (Waste of a draft pick!) this is the last thing Vick is going to receive NFL wise (apart from a ban) so he takes the cake. NFL Player of the Year: Tom Brady? Without Randy he’d not be close. Brett Favre? Aaron Rogers has proved he’s capable, if not at the same elite standard of Brett. Randy Moss? Comeback player of the year, perhaps. Who’s the ONE player that without him, the team doesn’t make the playoffs. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Peyton Manning. Favourite Buccaneer Player: For the first time in my NFL fandom, I have a true favourite Buccaneer. He’s a hard hitting safety, transferred from cornerback, and was arguably the steal of the 2007 NFL Draft. Tanard Jackson – I salute you! Richard Lowe, January 2008