Quarterback Matt Ryan won the Offensive Rookie of the Year last season after leading the Falcons to the playoffs. Since 1957, when the award was first given, only three quarterbacks have won the award including Ryan, Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger in 2004 and Tennessee's Vince Young in 2006.
Ryan was a landslide winner in balloting by a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who cover the league. He collected 44 votes, far in front of Titans running back Chris Johnson with three.
This year the likelihood of a quarterback winning the award is high since both Mark Sanchez (NYJ) and the No. 1 overall pick, Mathew Stafford (Det) have earned starting jobs. Online sportsbook are offering 8-to-1 odds on either of the two rookie pivots to take the honor in 2009.
At SPORTSBETTING.com, Sanchez has been seeing steady betting volume the last two weeks, with him currently sitting at 16% of all the betting volume for this betting option.
More running backs have won the award than any other position and this year’s rookie class is complete with three top runners.
Knowshon Moreno (DEN) is the favorite, paying back 3-to-1, as the Broncos are expected to use the tailback as a major component of the offense. Denver’s offense is in dire need of a new identity after jettisoning QB Jay Cutler and will rely on Moreno to become a leader.
In his sophomore season at Georgia Moreno compiled 1,792 yards of total offense securing 1,400 rushing yards on 250 carries and 392 yards on 33 receptions while scoring 18 touchdowns.
The Arizona Cardinals selected running back Chris “Beanie” Wells (+400) from Ohio State with their first round pick and he has a good chance of putting up some big numbers in a weak NFC West. He will split carries with Tim Hightower but he will be a difference maker in the Cards offense.
Running back Donald Brown (+500) of the Indianapolis Colts will be splitting carries with Joseph Addai which could initially hamper his ability to match the numbers that Moreno or Wells will put up but he will also be a featured back in the passing game which should enhance his productivity.
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Matthew Stafford will have to put up numbers unseen before to win the award, as his team will be hard pressed to win more than five games. Usually the success of the individual is closely linked with the success of his team and it’s hard to see both Stafford and the Lions having the kind of success that would merit the recognition needed to win the award.
Sanchez has a great opportunity to win. The Jets are in the media capital of North America, which will result in a lot more media coverage and votes than the hinterland of Detroit or Denver. The Jets are also a fairly stable team that doesn’t require Sanchez to do much more than manage the offense. New York’s overall success this year hinges on its D.
The top wide receiver going into the draft was Michael Crabtree. Unfortunately, he is still embroiled in a contract dispute with the 49ers so there is no chance he will be considered. A receiver that might get consideration is Minnesota’s Percy Harvin (12-to-1) who will benefit from having Brett Favre throwing him the ball. Harvin had an outstanding career with the Florida Gators and is a threat to go the distance any time he touches the ball.
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