Jay Cutler is one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL in 2008, and he owes a lot of that credit to his right arm, and some play-makers at the skill positions. But the man who Cutler needs to treat to a free vacation this offseason is No. 78, rookie left tackle Ryan Clady.
Since he was drafted by Denver with the 12th overall pick in the 2008 draft, Head Coach Mike Shanahan dubbed him the starter. He has not disappointed.
The rookie phenom hasn't allowed one sack all season long, and has but one holding penalty against him. Although he won't get the recognition for scoring touchdowns, he surely will pave the way for many.
Clady and the rest of the Denver line are on pace to set NFL records for the least amount of sacks allowed per pass attempt. And the Broncos are well on their way to finishing in the top tier of elite offenses in this league.
Granted, production has dropped in the last three games for the men in blue, but with all the talent they possess it only figures to get better. Clady has arguably had a bigger impact on this team than any other rookie in the AFC, maybe the NFL.
Rookie of the year voters shouldn't limit their horizons to only players that can score touchdowns or return kicks, they should take a close look at the impact of the former Boise State and current Denver Bronco.
Clady is lighting it up, and deserves some recognition.
Broncos audition players; Lynch open to return
The Broncos hosted workouts for former Texans/Packers running back Vernand Morency, and former Patriots wide receiver Chad Jackson.
John Lynch is keeping the door open, but doesn't feel he needs to prove anything to anybody. "I'm not retired," Lynch said. "I'm staying in shape. I'm ready if a team calls. But having said that, if I've played my final game, I'm content with the career I've had and what I was able to accomplish."
You can contact me at sb147474@yahoo.com if you have any questions, or feel free to comment below! Thanks for reading everybody.
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2 months ago
Great article! I kept wondering why you hadn't wrote one about Clady yet. I gave my vote to eddie but truely there is so many great rookies that it was tough to choose.
2 months ago
^
True to that. This year's rookie draft class really goes deep. Even though the Clady and Royals are playing near perfect, you never know how those guys will vote.
Look at this list of all the rookies this year whos been outstanding, everyone of them has a shot to win:
Eddie Royal
Matt Ryan (Huge performance against the bears)
Ryan Clady
Matt Forte
Darren McFadden
Chris Johnson
Desean Jackson
Jonathan Steward
Felix Jones
Rashard Mendenhall
Antoine Cason
Tim Hightower
(Ranked from most likely to least in my opinion)
2 months ago
I agree with both of you, but aragornzxl, you have to factor that NFC and AFC rookie of the year are separate for both conference and offense/defense.
2 months ago
i understand, and that's why the list is 12 names long. Even that, I feel that this year its harder to choose a ROY that the year before when a few really sticks out. This year, every player sticks out.
from 2 months ago
I agree. It will be tough to ignore Chris Johnson from Tennessee as another AFC rookie of the year candidtate. Should be an exciting race!
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