Dec 31 2008
Matt Ryan wins AP Rookie-of-the-Year
The Associated Press Rookie-of-the-Year vote is in and after receiving 44 votes, Atlanta Falcon quarterback Matt Ryan won it by a landslide.
Second to Ryan was Titans’ running back Chris Johnson (3 votes), Broncos’ offensive tackle Ryan Clady (2 votes) and the Bears’ Matt Forte (1 vote).
In what many speculated to be a tight race, Ryan ran away with this year’s award after leading the Falcons, who were 4-12 last season, to a 11-5 record and a trip to the playoffs.
Baltimore Ravens QB Joe Flacco was ignored by the AP after starting all 16 games and leading his Ravens into a playoff spot. Others who had impressive seasons but neglected to receive a vote were Broncos WR Eddie Royal and Texans RB Steve Slaton.
While I think Ryan deserved the award, I was surprised by the fact that Flacco was ignored. Ryan did a great job turning around the Falcons, but then again, this team was pretty stout before losing Vick… Landslide?? I don’t think he deserved it by a landslide!
I cover the Falcons as a freelance writer for some of the Atlanta papers and although I expected him to win it, I agree with the fact it should have been a closer vote. In fact, I wrote a column earlier in the week suggesting this vote could be the closest ROY race in NFL history. Flacco should have received several votes and Johnson more than just a few.