Matt Ryan named 2008 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, Clady finishes 3rd - The Orange Mane

montrose · 12-30-2008, 10:02 AM

Ryan wins Offensive Rookie award
By BARRY WILNER

NEW YORK (AP) — Matt Ryan is more than the face of the sensational turnaround by the Atlanta Falcons. He also is the best member of a superb rookie crop, earning The Associated Press 2008 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award Tuesday.

The quarterback from Boston College, selected third overall in April's draft, was a landslide winner in balloting by a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who cover the league. Ryan became the third quarterback in five years to win the award; before that, no QB ever took the honor.

He joins Ben Roethlisberger (2004) and Vince Young (2006) as top rookie quarterbacks.

Ryan was chosen by Atlanta as the centerpiece of its rebuilding effort following a dismal 2007 that saw quarterback Michael Vick incarcerated for dogfighting and coach Bobby Petrino leave after 13 games for Arkansas. A starter almost from the first snap he took in preseason, Ryan was brilliant in leading the Falcons to the playoffs with an 11-5 mark a year after going 4-12.

"Obviously the big question was how well Matt would perform as a rookie quarterback," Falcons veteran linebacker Keith Brooking said. "We knew there'd be bumps in the road, but it's unbelievable what he's done in such a short period of time with the guys on our offense."

Ryan ranked 11th in passer rating at 87.7 and had 16 touchdowns to go with 11 interceptions. But it wasn't the numbers as much as his command of the huddle and his cool under pressure that impressed his teammates, opponents — and the voters.

Ryan collected 44 votes, far in front of Titans running back Chris Johnson with three. Broncos tackle Ryan Clady had two and Bears running back Matt Forte got one.

The balloting doesn't indicate the outstanding depth of the rookie class on offense. Running backs Steve Slaton of Houston, Tim Hightower of Arizona, Ray Rice of Baltimore, Jonathan Stewart of Carolina, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice of Dallas, Peyton Hillis of Denver, Kevin Smith of Detroit and Jamaal Charles of Kansas City all were contributors. So were wide receivers Eddie Royal of Denver, DeSean Jackson of Philadelphia, Davone Bess of Miami and Donnie Avery of St. Louis.

Another rookie quarterback, Joe Flacco of Baltimore, helped lead his team into the playoffs.

Add in tight ends John Carlson of Seattle and Dustin Keller of the Jets and the strength of the first-year crop is impressive.

And Ryan was the cream.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/new...-rookie-award/

theAPAOps5 · 12-30-2008, 10:03 AM

Well you can't deny Ryan deserved it but Clady was a close second in my mind but I guess the liberal east coast bias wins again

But still he got a ton of recognition and thats all that matters.

Jason in LA · 12-30-2008, 10:14 AM

This isn't much different from the league MVP, or the Heisman. Offensive skilled position players always have the edge. They would never... ever, give the award to a O lineman.

It's not shocking that the award doesn't go to a QB all that much. I looked up the past rookie of the years, all RBs and WRs. Looked like more RBs. The article was wrong about one thing. Ben R. wasn't the first QB to win it (according to wikipedia). Dennis Shaw of Buffalo won it in 1970.

Inkana7 · 12-30-2008, 10:19 AM

Congrats to Clady!

TheReverend · 12-30-2008, 10:20 AM

can't argue with that. lets get him the fan vote in jan

jmz313 · 12-30-2008, 10:44 AM

The fact that clady got 3rd is a huge deal IMO since there were 3 great Rookie RBs, 2 rookie WR impacts, and the 2 QBs.

BroncoBuff · 12-30-2008, 10:47 AM

Atlanta and Baltimore both made the playoffs ... pretty amazing with rookie QBs.

NaptownChief · 12-30-2008, 11:29 AM

It is amazing that when Atlanta finally got a real QB that all those WR's weren't "busts" afterall. Poor Ron Mexico....broke, jailed and exposed.

WolfpackGuy · 12-30-2008, 11:34 AM

Kudos to Ryan Clady. Leading a line which only gave up 12 sacks in over 600 attempts is amazing.

bronco militia · 12-30-2008, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoBuff

Atlanta and Baltimore both made the playoffs ... pretty amazing with rookie QBs.

a solid defense and running game go a long ways in the NFL

BroncoBuff · 12-30-2008, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bronco militia

a solid defense and running game go a long ways in the NFL

Definitely. And along those lines, think about this: WTF were the stupid Chargers thinking by not trading Michael Turner a year ago? That is a very under-appreciated screwup. I recall clearly they were offered a 2nd round pick, maybe more, but they got nothing in return for the second best RB in the league this year. Zero, zilch, nada.

And yet we cry about Hixon

LonghornBronco · 12-30-2008, 01:05 PM

Congrats Clady...

Gold star for you... You might have won the thing if we would have finished stronger.

Amazing what one dominant player can do for a unit that historically had to be compensated for with boot-legs and rolling pockets. Now if we could just find a similar guy for the D-line... Peppers anyone?!?

Inkana7 · 12-30-2008, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LonghornBronco

Congrats Clady...

Gold star for you... You might have won the thing if we would have finished stronger.

Amazing what one dominant player can do for a unit that historically had to be compensated for with boot-legs and rolling pockets. Now if we could just find a similar guy for the D-line... Peppers anyone?!?

Gold star for your avy.

LonghornBronco · 12-30-2008, 01:11 PM

Thanks, I'ts Kendra Wilkinson... Heff's x-slut.

bronco militia · 12-30-2008, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LonghornBronco

Thanks, I'ts Kendra Wilkinson... Heff's x-slut.

and the worlds most famous chargers whore errrrrrrrr fan

Garcia Bronco · 12-30-2008, 01:14 PM

I think 3rd is amazing considering scum sucking QB's get all the credit anyway.

LonghornBronco · 12-30-2008, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bronco militia

and the worlds most famous chargers whore errrrrrrrr fan

If we can't beat'em we can at least.... I better not finish that one.

bronco militia · 12-30-2008, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LonghornBronco

If we can't beat'em we can at least.... I better not finish that one.

12-30-2008, 10:02 AM	#1
montrose Ring of Famer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 6,095 Adopt-a-Bronco: VP John Elway	Matt Ryan named 2008 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, Clady finishes 3rd Ryan wins Offensive Rookie award By BARRY WILNER NEW YORK (AP) — Matt Ryan is more than the face of the sensational turnaround by the Atlanta Falcons. He also is the best member of a superb rookie crop, earning The Associated Press 2008 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award Tuesday. The quarterback from Boston College, selected third overall in April's draft, was a landslide winner in balloting by a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who cover the league. Ryan became the third quarterback in five years to win the award; before that, no QB ever took the honor. He joins Ben Roethlisberger (2004) and Vince Young (2006) as top rookie quarterbacks. Ryan was chosen by Atlanta as the centerpiece of its rebuilding effort following a dismal 2007 that saw quarterback Michael Vick incarcerated for dogfighting and coach Bobby Petrino leave after 13 games for Arkansas. A starter almost from the first snap he took in preseason, Ryan was brilliant in leading the Falcons to the playoffs with an 11-5 mark a year after going 4-12. "Obviously the big question was how well Matt would perform as a rookie quarterback," Falcons veteran linebacker Keith Brooking said. "We knew there'd be bumps in the road, but it's unbelievable what he's done in such a short period of time with the guys on our offense." Ryan ranked 11th in passer rating at 87.7 and had 16 touchdowns to go with 11 interceptions. But it wasn't the numbers as much as his command of the huddle and his cool under pressure that impressed his teammates, opponents — and the voters. Ryan collected 44 votes, far in front of Titans running back Chris Johnson with three. Broncos tackle Ryan Clady had two and Bears running back Matt Forte got one. The balloting doesn't indicate the outstanding depth of the rookie class on offense. Running backs Steve Slaton of Houston, Tim Hightower of Arizona, Ray Rice of Baltimore, Jonathan Stewart of Carolina, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice of Dallas, Peyton Hillis of Denver, Kevin Smith of Detroit and Jamaal Charles of Kansas City all were contributors. So were wide receivers Eddie Royal of Denver, DeSean Jackson of Philadelphia, Davone Bess of Miami and Donnie Avery of St. Louis. Another rookie quarterback, Joe Flacco of Baltimore, helped lead his team into the playoffs. Add in tight ends John Carlson of Seattle and Dustin Keller of the Jets and the strength of the first-year crop is impressive. And Ryan was the cream. http://www.rockymountainnews.com/new...-rookie-award/

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12-30-2008, 10:03 AM	#2
theAPAOps5 A new beginning! Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Denver Posts: 26,057 Adopt-a-Bronco: Watermock - RIP	Well you can't deny Ryan deserved it but Clady was a close second in my mind but I guess the liberal east coast bias wins again But still he got a ton of recognition and thats all that matters.

12-30-2008, 10:14 AM	#3
Jason in LA Gimmie that rep fool! Speaking of Butts & Boob Mojo Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: LA Posts: 12,252	This isn't much different from the league MVP, or the Heisman. Offensive skilled position players always have the edge. They would never... ever, give the award to a O lineman. It's not shocking that the award doesn't go to a QB all that much. I looked up the past rookie of the years, all RBs and WRs. Looked like more RBs. The article was wrong about one thing. Ben R. wasn't the first QB to win it (according to wikipedia). Dennis Shaw of Buffalo won it in 1970.

12-30-2008, 10:19 AM	#4
Inkana7 Ring of Famer Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 8,229 Adopt-a-Bronco: Derek Wolfe	Congrats to Clady!

12-30-2008, 10:20 AM	#5
TheReverend www.PatrickTurley.org ^ buy this... twice Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 32,966 Adopt-a-Bronco: Mike Shanahan	can't argue with that. lets get him the fan vote in jan

12-30-2008, 10:44 AM	#6
jmz313 Perennial Pro-bowler Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 982	The fact that clady got 3rd is a huge deal IMO since there were 3 great Rookie RBs, 2 rookie WR impacts, and the 2 QBs.

12-30-2008, 10:47 AM	#7
BroncoBuff *************** Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Seattle Posts: 25,432 Adopt-a-Bronco: QUANTERUS SMITH	Atlanta and Baltimore both made the playoffs ... pretty amazing with rookie QBs.

12-30-2008, 11:29 AM	#8
NaptownChief Donkeys Nightmare Football Pimp Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 7,490	It is amazing that when Atlanta finally got a real QB that all those WR's weren't "busts" afterall. Poor Ron Mexico....broke, jailed and exposed.

12-30-2008, 11:34 AM	#9
WolfpackGuy Call me, "Maybe" Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Delaware Posts: 5,674	Kudos to Ryan Clady. Leading a line which only gave up 12 sacks in over 600 attempts is amazing.

12-30-2008, 01:05 PM	#12
LonghornBronco Ring of Famer Hook'em Horns Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Austin Posts: 1,356 Adopt-a-Bronco: Rahim Moore	Congrats Clady... Gold star for you... You might have won the thing if we would have finished stronger. Amazing what one dominant player can do for a unit that historically had to be compensated for with boot-legs and rolling pockets. Now if we could just find a similar guy for the D-line... Peppers anyone?!?

12-30-2008, 01:11 PM	#14
LonghornBronco Ring of Famer Hook'em Horns Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Austin Posts: 1,356 Adopt-a-Bronco: Rahim Moore	Thanks, I'ts Kendra Wilkinson... Heff's x-slut.

12-30-2008, 01:14 PM	#16
Garcia Bronco Hokie since 1993 Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 45,987 Adopt-a-Bronco: Tom Jackson	I think 3rd is amazing considering scum sucking QB's get all the credit anyway.