With the NFL beginning the postseason this weekend, it’s time to think about the NFL Honors. On February 6th, the NFL will (virtually) come together to honor and celebrate greatness. This year did not dissapoint with unforgettable moments as well as players. However, the main event every year is the announcement of the Hall of Fame inductees. However, an award that will stand out this year will be the rookie of the year awards. This rookie class produced some top moments this year. There isn’t a clear runaway favorite for either offensive or defensive rookie of the year. So who exactly is the offensive rookie of the year award even between?
Justin Jefferson
Justin Jefferson is going to be a star in this league. This is just the beginning. #Skol
— Matty B (@mattthew_jordan) September 27, 2020
Justin Jefferson, the Minnesota Vikings wide receiver made his presence known immediately. The Vikings traded away star wide receiver Stephon Diggs in the offseason to Buffalo and needed someone to replace him. Minnesota found their replacement. Yes, the Vikings still have Adam Thielen but Jefferson was the main story this year for the Minnesota offense. Jefferson’s stat line this year is unforgettable. He finished with 88 receptions, 1,400 yards, averaged 15.9 yards per reception and had seven touchdowns.
Justin Jefferson sets the record for most receiving yards by a rookie! #Skol
— Matty B (@mattthew_jordan) January 3, 2021
It was a record year for Jefferson as well. With his 1,400 receving yards, Jefferson set the rookie record for most receiving yards in a season. Considering who his quarterback was, this is a huge accomplishment. If Jefferson was able to put up those stats in his rookie year, imagine what his prime years are going to look like. Minnesota Vikings fans should be excited for years to come with Justin Jefferson on their team.
Justin Herbert
Justin Herbert is not a rookie I’m convinced #BoltUp
— Matty B (@mattthew_jordan) October 4, 2020
Yes, it’s the battle of the Justin’s. Basically, this season if you’re a rookie and named Justin you most likely had a pretty solid year. That’s exactly how to describe Justin Herbert’s year. His rookie campaign started off last second. Before LA’s game against Kansas City, then starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor was receiving a painkiller injectection which resulted in the team doctor accidentally puncturing the lung of Taylor. Justin Herbert was told moments before kickoff that he would be the starter and never looked back. On the season, Herbert went 396-595 completing 66.6 percent of his passes averaging 7.3 yards per throw, throwing for 4,336 yards, 31 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. On the ground he ran 55 times for 234 yards and five touchdowns.
What a throw! Justin Herbert continues to show that he’s a legit QB in this league. So far, he’s my pick for Offensive Rookie Of The Year. #Chargers future in good hands. #Boltup
— Matty B (@mattthew_jordan) October 13, 2020
Just like the other Justin, Justin Herbert also had a record year. This year, Herbert broke the rookie record for being the youngest quarterback to throw for 30 touchdowns (and broke the rookie record for most passing touchdowns by a rookie), the rookie record for most completions by a rookie, and the rookie record for most games with 300 yards passing as well as breaking the rookie record for most games with two touchdown passes, and three touchdown passes. For a quarterback who wasn’t expected to see much action, this is a huge accomplishment. The Chargers future is safe with Herbert.
Who wins?
OROY again! #BoltUp
— Matty B (@mattthew_jordan) January 3, 2021
Justin Herbert, quaterback of the Los Angeles Chargers will be the rookie of the year. Setting all those records, and giving a lifeless team life is more than deserving of winning this award. Justin Herbert is a threat, and with a new coaching staff coming into LA, expect big things from Herbert in year two.
-Matt Burnett (mattthew_jordan on Twitter)
