As the season concluded, the race for Offensive Rookie of the Year really was just a two man race. Both candidates could stand on their own merit.
Let me start by saying Saquon Barkley is a bonafide game changer. His shiftiness and his ability to get to top speed quickly are special. Actually, they are a generational type talent. With number 26 in the backfield, you are really never out of a football contest. If, as a defense, you foolishly sleep on Saquon - for even one play - he can take it to the house from anywhere on the field. That is the kind of firepower that most NFL GMs dream about acquiring - then have nightmares if they realize they have to stop that player.. Saquon had a fabulous rookie campaign in 2018, and if he stays healthy - he should be a major, major force in this league for many years.
And that brings me to my choice for OROY in 2018 - QB Baker Mayfield. You want to doubt Baker's ability to succeed at the NFL level? Go ahead - I dare you. That's what fuels this kid. All his life he has been overcoming obstacles. Baker is better when he plays with a massive chip on his shoulder.
But what Baker accomplished in 2018 was phenomenal. We knew he was ready, just itching to get into a game. That opportunity came on a Thursday night before a national TV audience - the biggest of stages. Did Baker flinch? Seriously, you are really going to ask that question? Of course he didn't! Check the tape - but on his VERY FIRST NFL PASS - he pumped faked to freeze the safety; then he fired a laser into a tight window that Jarvis safely corralled. And off they went.
Baker didn't talk about it - he proved it out on the field that he was all steak and no sizzle. He made football fun again in Cleveland. After posting a record setting season, he gave us the most precious gift of all - genuine hope for the future.
https://twitter.com/Browns/status/1088972553631268864
Great post. Saquon was great, but Baker's rookie season was once in a lifetime.
So Baker wins 7 Pepsi rookie of the week awards and Barkley wins it just once. BUT Barkley is the Pepsi rookie of the year? How does that even happen? Barkley had a great year but Baker's year was so mush better so much more productive and he only started in 13 games. SMH The NFL can be such a joke.
Kinda simple DUN. The Pepsi vote is a fan vote. 8 million bodies in the NYC area - at most, 1 to 1-1/2 million in the NE Ohio area. The "official' award comes out Saturday.
@Brooksie So let;s change it to the "most popular" rookie of the year. Kind of like the "Pro" bowl. :)
We'll see who is the better and more valuable player long term. I doubt it's going to be a running back on a shitty team.
The "nastiness" is all with the respective fan bases. Baker and Saquon are total class acts.
https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/02/01/baker-mayfield-saquon-barkley-have-rookie-of-the-year-wager/
Saquon wins it - now the rest of the league is going to pay hell for that stunt.
Baker doesn't need fuel to keep his fire stoked. I don’t look at it like that at all.
But we all know exactly what Baker means to the Browns. Had he played the entire season, the Browns would have been in the playoffs.
Remember when a guy named Pat Listache beat Kenny Lofton out as AL ROY? Pat was out of the league in. 5 years. 20 years later Kenny was still doing his thing. Same thing will happen here. Barkley will have 5 excellent years and fall off. 216 years later Baker is passing Brady for most Super Bowl Rings... (ok, I know, Im getting ahead of myself here..)
I like your thinking - but you may want to lay off of these for a bit..........