See our other Cold, Hard Football Facts year-end awards:
Well, the "pundits" got this one right yesterday when they named Houston middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans the league's top defensive rookie.
Ryans was a great choice for the award, easily leading the NFL in solo tackles (126). After being dead last in run defense last year (143.9 YPG), the Texans improved to 19th this year (122.2 YPG).
Cold, Hard Football Facts Top 5 Offensive Rookie of the Year candidates:
1. Ryans.
2. Haloti Ngata, Baltimore. This massive defensive tackle anchored the top defensive line on the top defense in football. He had him listed at
No. 1 in our midseason awards. We could go either way here at season's end, but you can't quibble with Ryans.
3. Mark Anderson, Chicago. He registered an amazing 12 sacks for the NFC's top defense.
4. A.J. Hawk, Green Bay. The outside linebacker came on strong later in the season and ended the year with impressive numbers: 119 total tackles, 2 INTs, 2 fumble recoveries and 6 passes defended.
5. Tamba Hali, Kansas City. The defensive end was a force for one of the most improved defenses in football this year, with 57 total tackles, 8 sacks, 5 forced fumbles and an INT.
