San Francisco 49ers: Early Team-Award Predictions for 2016 Season
The Bill Walsh Award Recipient:
Kicker, Phil Dawson
Not since 2005 has a kicker been a recipient of the 49er’s annual MVP award. But in 2005 Joe Nedney was certainly deserving as was Dawson this past season. Dawson replaced 2011 standout David Akers in 2013, and has been flawless since putting on the red and gold. In three seasons as a 49er, Dawson has never made less than eighty percent of his kicks in a single season. Expect his consistency to carry the Niners kicking game into 2016.
Also, read below what Dawson had to say as this year’s recipient, according to 49ers.com:
"Any award with Bill Walsh’s name attached to it is a big deal,” Dawson said. “In my three years in San Francisco, I’ve grown to learn even more about coach Walsh and respect him all the more. So, that’s a tremendous honor in and of itself. But, then to consider that the coaches were the ones voting on this, just puts it over the top. In most places, the kicker is just kind of an afterthought or a necessary evil. I’ve always tried to just be a football player and just come to work and do my job. This means quite a bit given the fact that I am a kicker. There are certainly other guys on the team who are deserving and I hold them in high regard. So, when you mix all that together, it’s a pretty special deal."
The Bobb McKittrick Award Recipient:
Tackle, Joe Staley
Staley has been maybe the best, and definitely the most consistent, offensive lineman the 49ers have had since becoming their left tackle in 2008. He’s also been one of the top left tackles in the NFL since 2011. Players like Staley are part of the cornerstones of an NFL franchise. Expect Staley to bring that same importance with him in 2016.
Below is what Staley had to say about winning the Bobb McKittrick Award, according to the 49ers.com writers:
"It’s an honor to win the Bobb McKittrick Award,” Staley said. “It’s a very long standing tradition with what Bob McKittrick meant to this organization and coaching the offensive line. It stands for a lot."
The Ed Block Courage Award Recipient:
Linebacker, Navorro Bowman
In just his second season, Bowman was named to the Associated Press All-Pro team. He replaced former Pro Bowler Takeo Spikes that year, and quickly became half of one of the greatest inside linebacker duos in history. Bowman also led all 49er defenders with 111 stops, just like in 2015 when he led the entire NFL with 154 stops.
It’s exciting to think what’s in store for 2016, now that he’s a full year removed from his 2014 NFC Championship Game injury.
The Len Eshmont Award Recipient:
Wide Receiver, Anquan Boldin
The San Francisco 49ers Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominee, and eventual NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award winner, also took home the Len Eshmont Award for his team. Boldin has been nothing but spectacular, on and off the field, since joining the 49ers after his 2012 Super Bowl run. He’s really brought that mentality of winning to the team. He’ll be sorely missed if not to return next season.
Here is what Boldin said to his old teammates after being honored with the award.
“This really means a lot to me,” Boldin said. “Those are the guys that get a chance to see you everyday, day in and day out, get to see you put in work. So, it’s big to earn the respect of your peers and an honor that they voted me the winner.”
The Thomas Herrion Award Recipient:
Safety, Jaquiski Tartt
Because Tartt came from a small school, and some believe he was overdrafted, his excitement truely comes through his comments after the fact.
“It’s honor to receive this award,” Tartt said. “I accept this award with deep gratitude and want to thank the coaches for believing in me. Coming from a small school, people want to look down on you and don’t always want to provide an opportunity to play in the NFL. I’m so thankful they gave me a chance to play at the next level.”
Tartt played at Sanford and truely had a solid rookie campaign with the 49ers. He started eight games after the starter, Antoine Bethea, went down in Week 7.
Tartt also played in all but one game in 2015. He managed to record an interception, three passes defensed, two sacks and a forced fumble on the season. Tartt will probably see the field a lot in 2016, despite not being a starter, as I expect him to be part of the new wave of hybrid safety/linebacker types.
He’ll likely take on that role in nickle and dime defenses this upcoming season.
Now that we’ve visited our past, we can see our future a little more clearly. So, let’s learn about each award and see which players bring these five awards home in 2016!
Next: The Bill Walsh Award