DROY Announced (1 Viewer)

[fridayfrenzy]

NEW YORK -- Shawne Merriman's relentless style of play made an immediate mark in the NFL, earning him The Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year award.The San Diego linebacker, known as "Lights Out" for his hard hits and aggressive demeanor, received 28½ votes Wednesday from a nationwide panel of sports writers and broadcasters who cover the league. He easily beat Seattle linebacker Lofa Tatupu, who got 16½.All the players receiving votes played linebacker in some form this season. Behind Merriman and Tatupu were Odell Thurman of Cincinnati with four votes and DaMarcus Ware of Dallas with one.While all of them were standouts, Merriman showed the most explosiveness and made more spotlight-grabbing plays. As anyone with the nickname "Lights Out" would expect.After being picked 12th in the draft out of Maryland, Merriman had a shaky start with the Chargers when his agent held him out of offseason workouts until he signed a contract. Despite fears of protracted negotiations, he missed only a week of training camp before signing a deal potentially worth $15.73 million, with $9 million guaranteed.Merriman caused some concern when he hurt his knee in the final exhibition game and missed the season opener. He made up for it with a succession of big plays for the Chargers, especially after becoming a starter on Oct. 23 at Philadelphia."I think anybody who goes as high as I did in the draft should be planning to be a game-changer, point blank," he said. "I figured somewhere down the line, if I learned fast enough and stuck by these older guys, sit back and learn as much as I could, that I could get out here and perform, that was really it. I've got a bunch of great teammates, and you almost can't go wrong being around those guys, with their years of experience."Merriman finished with a team-high 10 sacks among his 54 tackles. He made his biggest headlines when San Diego handed Indianapolis its first loss in Game 14. Merriman sacked Peyton Manning twice, including once with a monster swipe at Manning's legs."I didn't know I took him completely off his feet with one swipe. When that happened, I just looked and said, 'Man, that was a cool play.' It took me a while before I realized I still had to do the 'Lights Out' dance because I didn't know I sacked him," the extroverted Merriman said.Even Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer would chuckle at Merriman's words of wisdom."Shawne, of course, he's something," Schottenheimer said. "He's an extremely talented young man who brings it every snap."I frankly told him that he surpassed my expectations. I thought he played extremely well. He's very, very competitive. He's bright. Given the fact he went through a number of circumstances prior to getting the opportunity to come in and start and play, I was pleasantly surprised."Merriman is the first Chargers player to win the award. He also is the third straight linebacker and fifth in the last six years to win.Last year's top rookie defender was Jonathan Vilma of the Jets.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2280247

 

[redman]

Well-deserved. He ran away with it.

 

[fridayfrenzy]

Should have been Lofa IMO.

 

[mad sweeney]

Boo to the voters. Lofa was above and beyond a bigger and better influence on the D than Merriman was. Merriman's a beast, don't get me wrong. he's the main reason they beat the Colts. But Lofa's one of the main reasons the Hawks have a bye week and rested their starters the last 2 weeks.

 

[fridayfrenzy]

Well-deserved. He ran away with it.

Merriman had a strong finish, and the game against the Colts helped vault him, but for the entire season it has to go to Lofa. Lofa has taken on the most responsibility out of any defensive rookie in the league and he LEAD the Seahawks defense into the best record in the NFC and 7th overall in points allowed in the NFL. He was the leader for the defense in both aspects of calling plays and leading by example and encouragement.

Merriman is the name defensive player because of the sacks, but Lofa went quietly about his business and helpd lead the Hawks to a bye in the playoffs.

Lofa deserved it more than Merriman overall.

 

[Mungo Burrows]

Boo!! Should have been Tatupu.

 

[jurb26]

What a joke, should have been Lofa. Why in the world is it so hard for people to recognize anyone in Sea?

 

[thatguy]

I think the difference here is that Merriman was clearly one of the best players in the NFL at HIS position. Name a better pass rushing LB? You can't, right? On the contrary, Lofa was nowhere near one of the best MLBs in the game. Both had great rookie seasons, but Merriman has already established himself as elite at his position, and Lofa, IMO, has not.

 

[jonessed]

What a joke, should have been Lofa. Why in the world is it so hard for people to recognize anyone in Sea?

They have 5 Pro Bowlers this year. Tied with the Giants. How is that not recognition?

 

[thatguy]

What a joke, should have been Lofa.  Why in the world is it so hard for people to recognize anyone in Sea?

They have 5 Pro Bowlers this year. Tied with the Giants. How is that not recognition?

 

[jurb26]

What a joke, should have been Lofa. Why in the world is it so hard for people to recognize anyone in Sea?

They have 5 Pro Bowlers this year. Tied with the Giants. How is that not recognition?

All on offense, the #1 offense in the NFL. Kind of tough to miss those guys. Atl got 3 Pro Bowlers on D somehow though and Alexander shouldn't win the MVP award...

 

[fridayfrenzy]

I think the difference here is that Merriman was clearly one of the best players in the NFL at HIS position. Name a better pass rushing LB? You can't, right? On the contrary, Lofa was nowhere near one of the best MLBs in the game.

Both had great rookie seasons, but Merriman has already established himself as elite at his position, and Lofa, IMO, has not.

Lofa's job was more than just reacting to the play, like Merriman's. Lofa played a position that takes more than just athletiscm. You simply can't discount that.How can you say Merriman is elite at his position when there are other rookies who are performing at almost same level as Merriman.

Leroy Hill had 72 tackles and 7.5 sacks.

Demarcus Ware had 58 tackles and 8 sacks

Ware had Is Merriman's 57 tackles and 10 sacks all that much more elite than those two rookies?

 

[fridayfrenzy]

What a joke, should have been Lofa. Why in the world is it so hard for people to recognize anyone in Sea?

They have 5 Pro Bowlers this year. Tied with the Giants. How is that not recognition?

Last time I checked, there are ZERO Pro Bowlers from the Hawks on defense, despite having the THIRD best defense in points allowed in the NFC and the best record.

 

[Kleck]

I'm a confirmed Seattle homer, and it would have been cool to see Tatupu get it, but I can't imagine any of us Seattle homers passing on a Merriman for Tatupu trade straight up. He's just scary good. That said, I'm pretty happy we finally have a MLB in Seattle. Koonce, Kirkland, Simmons, Kaz, Huff, ...

 

[Kleck]

Last time I checked, there are ZERO Pro Bowlers from the Hawks on defense, despite having the THIRD best defense in points allowed in the NFC and the best record.

I agree, but how confident are we when it comes to our defense? I'm pretty worried. Getting Dyson back healthy would make me feel lots better.

 

[redman]

Why in the world is it so hard for people to recognize anyone in Sea?

 

[Iron_Far]

Boo to the voters. Lofa was above and beyond a bigger and better influence on the D than Merriman was. Merriman's a beast, don't get me wrong. he's the main reason they beat the Colts. But Lofa's one of the main reasons the Hawks have a bye week and rested their starters the last 2 weeks.

that showing against the Colts was what won it for him. Another reason Seattle gets jobbed for an "easy schedule".

 

[ffchamp1]

I think the difference here is that Merriman was clearly one of the best players in the NFL at HIS position. Name a better pass rushing LB? You can't, right? On the contrary, Lofa was nowhere near one of the best MLBs in the game.

Both had great rookie seasons, but Merriman has already established himself as elite at his position, and Lofa, IMO, has not.

Couldn't have said it any better myself

Tom

 

[msommer]

the one who was really robbed was Thurman - Lofa secong in line

 

[fridayfrenzy]

I think the difference here is that Merriman was clearly one of the best players in the NFL at HIS position. Name a better pass rushing LB? You can't, right? On the contrary, Lofa was nowhere near one of the best MLBs in the game.

Both had great rookie seasons, but Merriman has already established himself as elite at his position, and Lofa, IMO, has not.

Couldn't have said it any better myself

Tom

Merriman was basically a DE in that 3-4 defense, and I can name plenty of DEs better than Merriman. A LB is more than just a pass rusher.Saying Merriman was a LB is like saying Cooley is a FB.

 

[fridayfrenzy]

the one who was really robbed was Thurman - Lofa secong in line

Think again.Odell had a great season, but Lofa was the better one of those two.

 

[jurb26]

the one who was really robbed was Thurman - Lofa secong in line

These are the 1st 2 guys I would have picked.

 

[jonessed]

I think the difference here is that Merriman was clearly one of the best players in the NFL at HIS position.  Name a better pass rushing LB?  You can't, right?  On the contrary, Lofa was nowhere near one of the best MLBs in the game. 

Both had great rookie seasons, but Merriman has already established himself as elite at his position, and Lofa, IMO, has not.

Lofa's job was more than just reacting to the play, like Merriman's. Lofa played a position that takes more than just athletiscm. You simply can't discount that.How can you say Merriman is elite at his position when there are other rookies who are performing at almost same level as Merriman.

Leroy Hill had 72 tackles and 7.5 sacks.

Demarcus Ware had 58 tackles and 8 sacks

Ware had Is Merriman's 57 tackles and 10 sacks all that much more elite than those two rookies?

Merriman only started 9 games.

 

[thatguy]

I think the difference here is that Merriman was clearly one of the best players in the NFL at HIS position.  Name a better pass rushing LB?  You can't, right?  On the contrary, Lofa was nowhere near one of the best MLBs in the game. 

Both had great rookie seasons, but Merriman has already established himself as elite at his position, and Lofa, IMO, has not.

Lofa's job was more than just reacting to the play, like Merriman's. Lofa played a position that takes more than just athletiscm. You simply can't discount that.How can you say Merriman is elite at his position when there are other rookies who are performing at almost same level as Merriman.

Leroy Hill had 72 tackles and 7.5 sacks.

Demarcus Ware had 58 tackles and 8 sacks

Ware had Is Merriman's 57 tackles and 10 sacks all that much more elite than those two rookies?

Merriman only started 9 games.

Yup, and I think that's the only reason this is close. Voters had to look at who made the biggest overall impact (Merriman), versus who made a sustained impact from day one (Tatupu). It's not always easy, and while Lofa is very good, Merriman is a super star in the making. If Merriman had started all 16 games, his numbers would be amazing. He probably would have led the NFL in sacks.

 

[fridayfrenzy]

I think the difference here is that Merriman was clearly one of the best players in the NFL at HIS position. Name a better pass rushing LB? You can't, right? On the contrary, Lofa was nowhere near one of the best MLBs in the game.

Both had great rookie seasons, but Merriman has already established himself as elite at his position, and Lofa, IMO, has not.

Lofa's job was more than just reacting to the play, like Merriman's. Lofa played a position that takes more than just athletiscm. You simply can't discount that.How can you say Merriman is elite at his position when there are other rookies who are performing at almost same level as Merriman.

Leroy Hill had 72 tackles and 7.5 sacks.

Demarcus Ware had 58 tackles and 8 sacks

Ware had Is Merriman's 57 tackles and 10 sacks all that much more elite than those two rookies?

Merriman only started 9 games.

First off....Merriman started 10 games and played in 15 games

Hill started 9 games and played in 15 games

Whats your point?

 

[seahawk 17]

I am in the camp that says this was soley based on the last 3 weeks of games.Tatupu got screwed, get use to it little man...your a Seahawk.

 

[jonessed]

I think the difference here is that Merriman was clearly one of the best players in the NFL at HIS position.  Name a better pass rushing LB?  You can't, right?  On the contrary, Lofa was nowhere near one of the best MLBs in the game. 

Both had great rookie seasons, but Merriman has already established himself as elite at his position, and Lofa, IMO, has not.

Lofa's job was more than just reacting to the play, like Merriman's. Lofa played a position that takes more than just athletiscm. You simply can't discount that.How can you say Merriman is elite at his position when there are other rookies who are performing at almost same level as Merriman.

Leroy Hill had 72 tackles and 7.5 sacks.

Demarcus Ware had 58 tackles and 8 sacks

Ware had Is Merriman's 57 tackles and 10 sacks all that much more elite than those two rookies?

Merriman only started 9 games.

First off....Merriman started 10 games and played in 15 games

Hill started 9 games and played in 15 games

Whats your point?

Merriman played very little in the first 5 games. If Ware had similar playtime then I would say he just got beat out on sacks and the fact that he didn't make the Pro Bowl. I don't see why you have a problem with that. If you are arguing that Ware is a better player he got one vote, so it's pretty clear that the voting panel strongly disagreed.

 

[Capella]

Why in the world is it so hard for people to recognize anyone in Sea?

Because they've never won a big game.

 

[fridayfrenzy]

I think the difference here is that Merriman was clearly one of the best players in the NFL at HIS position. Name a better pass rushing LB? You can't, right? On the contrary, Lofa was nowhere near one of the best MLBs in the game.

Both had great rookie seasons, but Merriman has already established himself as elite at his position, and Lofa, IMO, has not.

Lofa's job was more than just reacting to the play, like Merriman's. Lofa played a position that takes more than just athletiscm. You simply can't discount that.How can you say Merriman is elite at his position when there are other rookies who are performing at almost same level as Merriman.

Leroy Hill had 72 tackles and 7.5 sacks.

Demarcus Ware had 58 tackles and 8 sacks

Ware had Is Merriman's 57 tackles and 10 sacks all that much more elite than those two rookies?

Merriman only started 9 games.

First off....Merriman started 10 games and played in 15 games

Hill started 9 games and played in 15 games

Whats your point?

Merriman played very little in the first 5 games. If Ware had similar playtime then I would say he just got beat out on sacks and the fact that he didn't make the Pro Bowl. I don't see why you have a problem with that. If you are arguing that Ware is a better player he got one vote, so it's pretty clear that the voting panel strongly disagreed.

I said HILL, not Ware. It was mentioned that Merriman was so dominant at his position, yet he didn't even dominate Leory Hill, the Rookie LB on the Seahawks.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

I didn't see many Seahawks games, so I don't have an opinion on Merriman versus Lofa.But I'll say this about Merriman. Even after just a partial season, I don't think it's premature to say that he looks like he'll be the best defensive player in Charger history -- including Junior Seau. I haven't seen anyone with his combination of speed, strength, tackling ability, and just general relentlessness since . . . ever. He's got 15 pounds on Seau, and is faster and more athletic.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Merriman won because sakcs are a sexy stat.Any the INDY game clinched it, with everyone watching he dominated the game.

 

[fridayfrenzy]

Final Rookie of the Year meter

Tatupu, Williams spearhead All-Rookie selections

By Eric Edholm

Jan. 4, 2006

As per tradition, on the final week of the Rookie Meter each season — yes, a sad day, I know — I print my ballot for the Pro Football Weekly/Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie team and my Rookie of the Year selections. And because of the exceptional rookie depth at linebacker, I have made this a 3-4 defense — and that still doesn’t allow me to mention the fine rookie seasons of Seahawks LB Leroy Hill, Cowboys LB DeMarcus Ware, Raiders LB Kirk Morrison, Dolphins LB Channing Crowder, Bengals LB David Pollack or Falcons LB Michael Boley, though I did manage to sneak Mr. Boley in under another category.

So, without further ado …

Overall NFL Rookie of the Year: Seahawks LB Lofa Tatupu

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Buccaneers RB Cadillac Williams

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Seahawks LB Lofa Tatupu

All-Rookie team

Offense

Quarterback: Bears QB Kyle Orton

Running back: Buccaneers RB Cadillac Williams

Running back: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown

Wide receiver: Eagles WR Reggie Brown

Wide receiver: Ravens WR Mark Clayton

Tight end: Steelers TE Heath Miller

Center: Bills C Duke Preston

Offensive guard: Patriots OLG Logan Mankins

Offensive guard: Buccaneers OLG Dan Buenning

Offensive tackle: Saints ORT Jamaal Brown

Offensive tackle: Jaguars OLT Khalif Barnes

Defense

Defensive lineman: Cowboys DE Marcus Spears

Defensive lineman: Eagles DT Mike Patterson

Defensive lineman: Eagles DE Trent Cole

Linebacker: Chiefs OLB Derrick Johnson

Linebacker: Bengals ILB Odell Thurman

Linebacker: Seahawks ILB Lofa Tatupu

Linebacker: Chargers OLB Shawne Merriman

Cornerback: Titans CB Reynaldo Hill

Cornerback: Patriots CB Ellis Hobbs

Safety: Jets SS Kerry Rhodes

Safety: Texans FS C.C. Brown

Specialists

Placekicker: Jets PK Mike Nugent

Punter: Vikings P Chris Kluwe

Kickoff returner: Texans KR Jerome Mathis

Punt returner: Titans PR Pacman Jones

Special teams: Falcons OLB Michael Boley

http://profootballweekly.com/PFW/Features/...05/rookie17.htm