Tennessee Titans’ running back Chris Johnson is unhappy that Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback Matt Ryan won the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Award and believes he should have won the honor.
The award is voted upon by a panel of 50 media members from across the nation and is overseen by the Associated Press. Ryan received 44 votes, while Johnson, the runner-up, received just three votes.
“Of course, it would have been different,” Johnson said. “I had the most votes of any rookie [for the Pro Bowl], more than Matt Ryan. I’m the only one that made it to the Pro Bowl out of all the rookies.”
Pro Bowl balloting is done in thirds, with fan vote, player vote and coaches votes each counting one-third in the process.
“He’s a good player, and he played quarterback and did a good job this year,” Johnson said of Ryan, who guided the Falcons to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth. “But the whole thing is bogus, because people are voting for it that are not on the same field as the people who are playing.
“I’m disappointed. I did all I could to win it. I feel I did the best. I feel I did all I could do to win it; it just didn’t come my way.”
Ryan threw for 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, posting 3,440 yards and an 87.7 passer rating.
Johnson rushed for 1,228 yards and nine touchdowns for the Titans.
Johnson definitely has an argument because he was extraordinary this year. But voters know that running back is arguably the easiest position to pick up as a rookie, while quarterback remains the hardest. And last time I checked, Johnson finished behind fellow rookies Steve Slaton and Matt Forte in rushing yardage (granted he didn’t play in the final week, but Slaton didn’t see a ton of carries at the start of the season either) and the Titans are the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Ryan led a Falcon team that was predicted to win 1-2 games this year to an 11-5 record and a playoff appearance.
Again, Johnson has an argument. But I think the award wound up in the right hands.
