Chris Johnson and the Rookie of the Year

So, evidently Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson is surprised he isn’t the Offensive Rookie of the Year. 

I don’t have the exact quote, but he said something like, “I found out yesterday that I am not the ROY.”

Well of course not Chris.  And let’s look at why.  You’re a running back, arguably the position with the easiest transition from college to the pros.  Most people say it is. I say wide receiver can be equally easy, for the talented ones.

You didn’t start.  You split time with LenDale White.

You had the third most rushing yards for rookie running backs this year.  Matt Forte and Steve Slaton finished ahead of you.  (You talk about letting the players vote because they are on the field with you.  Remember Week 15 when your Titans played the Texans and Slaton out rushed you 100 yards to 65?)

You play for the Tennessee Titans, who last year made the playoffs.

Matt Ryan is a quarterback.  That position has, without question, the most difficult transition from college to the pros.  It usually takes three or four years for a QB to blossom. 

Matt Ryan started from day one.

Matt Ryan lead all rookie quarterbacks in the following categories, passing yards, fewest interceptions thrown, touchdowns, completion percentage, and QB rating.  Did you hear that?  All rookie QB’s.  If you include all QB’s who got their first significant playing time this year, then Ryan is still first in all categories except INT’s.  Shaun Hill only threw eight.  But that’s because he didn’t start nearly the number of games Ryan did.

Most importantly, Ryan plays for the Falcons.  They were the third worst team in the NFL last year.  When they drafted him they were a team in turmoil.  As everyone knows, Michael Vick had just been sent to jail.  Their coach, Bobby Petrino, quit after the 13^th game.  He was not only asked to be the new QB, but to help guide a franchise in serious trouble.  If he had led the Falcons to an 8-8 record, this season would have been considered a rousing success.  This year they were 11-5 and within a game of winning the NFC South. 

Mr. Johnson, you might be the fastest player to ever look at a football, but Matt Ryan is the rookie of the year.  You were surprised you did not get the award.  You should be surprised you got a vote.