The 2023/24 NFL season has now concluded, with the Kansas City Chiefs winning Super Bowl 58, thanks to their overtime victory over the San Francisco 49ers at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas
Prior to the Super Bowl, the league’s prestigious awards were handed out at the NFL Honors. Lamar Jackson was named the regular season MVP, while running back (RB) Christian McCaffrey and defensive end (DE) Myles Garrett were the Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year respectively.
Here is a look at some players who did not walk away with an award but should be recognized for the season they had with their respective franchises.
Tua Tagovailoa Led an Explosive Offense in Miami
One of the most exciting teams to watch in the 2023/24 NFL season was the Miami Dolphins. Their offense scored 496 points in the regular season, with only the Dallas Cowboys outscoring them across the 17 games.
Miami demonstrated in 2023 that they have their franchise quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa. Many former players and pundits believe the former first-round pick will lead the Dolphins to a Super Bowl in the next few years.
Tagovailoa threw 4,624 passing yards last season, a league-high. He recorded 29 touchdowns and had a 69.3% completion percentage. If he continues to put up stats like those, it may not be long before Miami adds another Vince Lombardi Trophy to their collection.
As of February 15, the Dolphins are +2000 in the NFL betting to win Super Bowl 59. The AFC East team is likely to be in contention for their divisional title next season along with the Buffalo Bills.
Raheem Mostert Has the Best Season of His Career
Running back Raheem Mostert began the 20223/24 campaign as the number two back on the depth chart in Miami. However, he was elevated to the starting position due to an injury. The former 49ers player took full advantage of his opportunity, scoring 18 rushing touchdowns, the most by any running back in the league.
In his three previous seasons, Mostert had only scored a combined five rushing touchdowns. In 2023, the Dolphins RB, who is one of the fastest players in the league, looked unstoppable at times.
Welcome to the 1K club, @RMos_8Ball! 🏄♂️ #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/326rgFClBL
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) December 24, 2023
Mostert has done enough in 2023 to earn more game time next season. If he does not get that in Miami, there are sure to be plenty of franchises interested in trading for the explosive RB.
Mike Evans Shows His Class Again
Most receiving TD this season
Mike Evans 13
Tyreek Hill 12
Courtland Sutton 10 pic.twitter.com/YaiY9yzIjo— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 24, 2023
After a quiet year in 2022, some pundits claimed wide receiver Mike Evans was on the decline. However, he answered his critics in emphatic style, scoring 13 receiving touchdowns, the joint-highest in the league with Tyreek Hill.
Evans formed a great relationship with new Bucs QB Baker Mayfield. He picked up 1,255 receiving yards, his highest since 2018. The partnership between QB and WR is one of the reasons Tampa Bay was able to win the NFC South title with a 9-8 record.
At the age of 30, Evans showed he remains one of the leading wide receivers in the NFL. Next season will be his 11th campaign in the league, and it would be no surprise to see him finish at the top end of the league stats once again.
Bradley Chubb Tops Fumbles Standings
Miami Dolphins traded for Bradley Chubb midway through 2022 in a deal with the Denver Broncos. The linebacker showed why the AFC East team wanted him so much as he had six forced fumbles last season.
Had it not been for Browns DE Myles Garrett, Chubb may have been named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. In the 16 games he started for the Dolphins, he had 74 combined tackles, 45 solo tackles, and 11 sacks.
Miami is a team that has improved considerably on defense over the last 12 months. Their two-time Pro Bowler is a big part of their defensive unit, and with a wealth of experience in the NFL, he is one of the leaders on the field.
The 2024/25 NFL season gets underway on September 5, and it will be the 105th campaign of the major league. As the defending champion, the Chiefs are expected to be involved in the NFL Kickoff Game, which will be announced in late April.