NFL: RGIII Named Rookie of the Year by Pro Football Writers

The arguments will abound and the awards will continue, but the fact remains: Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III is a phenomenal, yet injured, athlete deserving of accolades and recognition for his on-field performance.  January 14 the Pro Football Writers Association and Pro Football Weekly named RGIII overall and Offensive Rookie of the Year of the NFL 2012 season.

The most distinguished of the awards, the NFL Rookie of the Year, will be announced during the week before Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans.

The recognition of Griffin by the PFW/PFWA demonstrates how his regular season performance rates against his closest competition—quarterbacks Andrew Luck (Indianapolis Colts) and Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks) as well as fellow Redskins running back Alfred Morris.  Morris made the PFW all-rookie team as a running back.

The 2012 NFL rookie class had three strong candidates for the award at quarterback and two running backs in Morris and Tampa's Doug Wilson.  Each of these rookies posted above average statistics at their position and led various categories.  Pro Football Weekly called this season's group of rookies, "one of the best, deepest rookie classes in history."

With the selection of RGIII as overall Rookie of the Year the publication cited his "off the charts" statistics as Griffin led the 10-6 Redskins to their first NFC East title since 1999.  Griffin set records in three regular season rookie categories—touchdown-to-interception ratio (20-to-5), rushing yards for a quarterback (815 yards) and passer rating (102.4).

Griffin and Morris were the only Redskins selected for the award.  Both teammates were named to the Pro Football Focus All-NFC East team last week and Griffin was selected to the Pro Bowl but is recovering from knee surgery.  Morris was named as an alternate to the Pro Bowl, which means he will play if a player does not choose to participate or cannot play.

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