Wednesday, January 04, 2006
CHARGED UP
San Diego LB Shawne Merriman is your 2005 AP Defensive Rookie Of The Year.
Seahawks LB Lofa Tatupu finished 2nd with 16 1/2 votes, to Merriman's 28 1/2.
The difference between Merriman and Tatupu this season?
Merriman: 54 tackles, 10 sacks
Tatupu: 105 tackles, 4 sacks, 3 interceptions, 1 touchdown
The only reason why Merriman won the DROY award is because of his performance against the Colts on Dec. 18 in Indianapolis. In that nationally televised contest, Merriman had 7 tackles and 2 sacks as the Chargers ended the Colts undefeated streak at 13 games.
Tatupu was the best rookie defensive player in football this season. This was a guy who took over the middle linebacker position as a rookie. The Seahawks' defense was vastly improved because of the efforts of Tatupu.
Merriman is a good player, don't get me wrong. But he's not nearly as valuable as Tatupu. Tatupu won't always make the Sportscenter highlight reel, but that's fine by me. He's a keeper and I'm glad he's a Seahawk.
Tatupu has been disrespected before. He wasn't supposed to be a star at USC. He wasn't supposed to be an impact player in the NFL because he was too small.
Let Merriman enjoy his defensive rookie of the year award with his teammates, who were part of what clearly was the best team in the NFC this season. Tatupu and the rest of the Seahawks are gearing up for the playoffs. Stay classy, San Diego.
Seahawks LB Lofa Tatupu finished 2nd with 16 1/2 votes, to Merriman's 28 1/2.
The difference between Merriman and Tatupu this season?
Merriman: 54 tackles, 10 sacks
Tatupu: 105 tackles, 4 sacks, 3 interceptions, 1 touchdown
The only reason why Merriman won the DROY award is because of his performance against the Colts on Dec. 18 in Indianapolis. In that nationally televised contest, Merriman had 7 tackles and 2 sacks as the Chargers ended the Colts undefeated streak at 13 games.
Tatupu was the best rookie defensive player in football this season. This was a guy who took over the middle linebacker position as a rookie. The Seahawks' defense was vastly improved because of the efforts of Tatupu.
Merriman is a good player, don't get me wrong. But he's not nearly as valuable as Tatupu. Tatupu won't always make the Sportscenter highlight reel, but that's fine by me. He's a keeper and I'm glad he's a Seahawk.
Tatupu has been disrespected before. He wasn't supposed to be a star at USC. He wasn't supposed to be an impact player in the NFL because he was too small.
Let Merriman enjoy his defensive rookie of the year award with his teammates, who were part of what clearly was the best team in the NFC this season. Tatupu and the rest of the Seahawks are gearing up for the playoffs. Stay classy, San Diego.
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