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It doesn't hold the cachet of the Associated Press or other awards, but SBNation gives out NFL awards just the same. They were announced this morning, and a Green Bay Packer earned one of them, as the network's NFL editors named running back Eddie Lacy as the league's Rookie of the Year.
Here's an excerpt on Lacy from the article:
Packers RB Eddie Lacy was a second-round pick so the expectations were high. But I'm not sure we knew just how consistent and durable he would be this season.Lacy ended with 284 carries for 1,178 yards (4.1 yards per carry) and 11 touchdowns, despite missing a couple of games early with a concussion. He helped revive the Packers running game, which is a big reason folks thought they could still make a run despite the time Aaron Rodgers missed with a broken collarbone. A consistent rushing attack with Rodgers behind center ready to strike is dangerous. Lacy made teams respect him.
In most statistical categories for 2013, Lacy was the only rookie in the top ten. He finished fifth in rushing attempts with 284, eighth in rushing yards with 1,178, and third in rushing touchdowns with 11. The next-best running back by statistical numbers was the Rams' Zac Stacy, who finished with a line of 250-973-7. Lacy also led all rookies in yards from scrimmage with 1,435.
Wide receiver Keenan Allen of the Chargers is looked at as Lacy's top competition for the Rookie of the Year award, and had a fine season in his own right, but does not have the numbers that Lacy had, finishing outside the top 15 in every major receiving category. He had a fine season, but Packers fans will agree that the choice of Lacy was the correct one for the award this season.
The NFL will announce the AP Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year awards at the NFL Honors show on Saturday, February 1, the night before the Super Bowl.
