MATTY ICE BEATS OUT FLACCO FOR OFFENSIVE ROY

Matt Ryan was named offensive rookie of the year, beating out Joe Flacco, another rookie QB who led his team to a playoff berth with an 11-5 record. Ryan, the third overall pick from this year’s draft, benefited from posting slightly better numbers than Flacco, who went at pick 18. Ryan threw for 3,440 yards, with 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, while Flacco threw for 2,971 yards, 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Voters likely also gave Ryan credit for playing in a tougher division than the Ravens QB. Ryan and Flacco joined Rick Mirer, Peyton Manning and David Carr as the only rookie quarterbacks to start 16 games, though presumably their careers will skew more towards Peyton’s than Mittens and Mirer’s. Also given consideration was Chris Johnson, Steve Slaton and Matt Forte, who each ran for over 1,200 yards, as well as Broncos receiver Eddie Royal.