Here is what you need to know on this Monday, January 14, 57 days before the start of NFL free agency.
RG3 PFW/PFWA Rookie of the Year
Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III was voted the Rookie of the Year by the membership of the Pro Football Writers of America in balloting conducted by Pro Football Weekly.
Griffin’s backfield mate, running back Alfred Morris, joined Griffin on the All-Rookie team.
Griffin beat out top draft pick Andrew Luck of the Colts and Russell Wilson of the Seahawks for the honors. In the article announcing the award, PFW wrote, “Griffin’s stats were off the charts, setting rookie records in touchdown-to-interception ratio, rushing yards for a rookie QB and passer rating, all while leading the Redskins to a division title.”
Morris had 1,613 rushing yards, the third most of any rookie in NFL history. His 200-yard performance against the Cowboys in the Redskins’ nationally televised regular season finale, the game that clinched the NFC East title for Washington, undoubtedly left an impression on the minds of the voters.
Ballots were due prior to the first playoff game so votes are based on regular season performance only.
Jason Taylor playing through pain
There was an interesting article about playing in pain in the NFL in the Miami Herald yesterday. It centered on former Miami Dolphin and, for one season, Washington Redskin Jason Taylor. Writer Dan Le Batard sheds some light on the darker side of the NFL, one where players get injections in a “dungeon” while screaming, even crying in pain.
The article is of interest to Redskins fans for two reasons. When Taylor missed six games for the Redskins due to an ailment called compartment syndrome, many Redskins fans didn’t understand what it all about. This explains it in detail including just how close Taylor was to losing his leg.
Le Batard also sheds some light on the mentality that drives players to stay in the game with some serious injuries. Of course, that topic is germane because of Griffin’s determination to stay in the playoff game against the Seahawks despite the obvious pain in his right knee.
In case you missed it
- Pierre Garçon hopes he can avoid surgery on his toe
- Sav Rocca hopes to be back in Washington
Days until: NFL Combine 38; start of free agency 57; 2013 NFL kickoff Sunday 237
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