Merriman Defensive Rookie of the Year - Page 2

Wa-Z · 01-04-2006, 02:10 PM

Johson didn't even get any votes according to ESPN.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2280247

Chargers' Merriman named defensive rookie of year
Associated Press

NEW YORK -- Shawne Merriman's relentless style of play made an immediate mark in the NFL, earning him The Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

The San Diego linebacker, known as "Lights Out" for his hard hits and aggressive demeanor, received 28½ votes Wednesday from a nationwide panel of sports writers and broadcasters who cover the league. He easily beat Seattle linebacker Lofa Tatupu, who got 16½.

All the players receiving votes played linebacker in some form this season. Behind Merriman and Tatupu were Odell Thurman of Cincinnati with four votes and DaMarcus Ware of Dallas with one.

While all of them were standouts, Merriman showed the most explosiveness and made more spotlight-grabbing plays. As anyone with the nickname "Lights Out" would expect.

After being picked 12th in the draft out of Maryland, Merriman had a shaky start with the Chargers when his agent held him out of offseason workouts until he signed a contract. Despite fears of protracted negotiations, he missed only a week of training camp before signing a deal potentially worth $15.73 million, with $9 million guaranteed.

Merriman caused some concern when he hurt his knee in the final exhibition game and missed the season opener. He made up for it with a succession of big plays for the Chargers, especially after becoming a starter on Oct. 23 at Philadelphia.

"I think anybody who goes as high as I did in the draft should be planning to be a game-changer, point blank," he said. "I figured somewhere down the line, if I learned fast enough and stuck by these older guys, sit back and learn as much as I could, that I could get out here and perform, that was really it. I've got a bunch of great teammates, and you almost can't go wrong being around those guys, with their years of experience."

Merriman finished with a team-high 10 sacks among his 54 tackles. He made his biggest headlines when San Diego handed Indianapolis its first loss in Game 14. Merriman sacked Peyton Manning twice, including once with a monster swipe at Manning's legs.

"I didn't know I took him completely off his feet with one swipe. When that happened, I just looked and said, 'Man, that was a cool play.' It took me a while before I realized I still had to do the 'Lights Out' dance because I didn't know I sacked him," the extroverted Merriman said.

Even Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer would chuckle at Merriman's words of wisdom.

"Shawne, of course, he's something," Schottenheimer said. "He's an extremely talented young man who brings it every snap.

"I frankly told him that he surpassed my expectations. I thought he played extremely well. He's very, very competitive. He's bright. Given the fact he went through a number of circumstances prior to getting the opportunity to come in and start and play, I was pleasantly surprised."

Merriman is the first Chargers player to win the award. He also is the third straight linebacker and fifth in the last six years to win.

Last year's top rookie defender was Jonathan Vilma of the Jets.

StcChief · 01-04-2006, 02:43 PM

DJ tailed off after good start.
Longivity will tell. Still think he'll be a good LB with the right coaching.

ct · 01-04-2006, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nm_dbf

DJ tailed off after good start.
Longivity will tell. Still think he'll be a good LB with the right coaching.

DJ is a good LB. He could be a great LB in time.

Halfcan · 01-04-2006, 03:52 PM

DJ was not even mentioned-its all about sacks and turnovers-which he had very few.

Valiant · 01-04-2006, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsfaninPA

I thought dancing was only allowed for WR and RBs. What is the NFL coming to when a LB sacks a QB and has to dance. I didn't realize that sacking the QB wasn't in his job description.

Uhh, I seem to remember KC fans loving Neil and DT's sack celibrations...

01-04-2006, 02:10 PM
Wa-Z Veteran Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: O Casino cash: $10004900	Merriman Defensive Rookie of the Year Johson didn't even get any votes according to ESPN. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2280247 Chargers' Merriman named defensive rookie of year Associated Press NEW YORK -- Shawne Merriman's relentless style of play made an immediate mark in the NFL, earning him The Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year award. The San Diego linebacker, known as "Lights Out" for his hard hits and aggressive demeanor, received 28½ votes Wednesday from a nationwide panel of sports writers and broadcasters who cover the league. He easily beat Seattle linebacker Lofa Tatupu, who got 16½. All the players receiving votes played linebacker in some form this season. Behind Merriman and Tatupu were Odell Thurman of Cincinnati with four votes and DaMarcus Ware of Dallas with one. While all of them were standouts, Merriman showed the most explosiveness and made more spotlight-grabbing plays. As anyone with the nickname "Lights Out" would expect. After being picked 12th in the draft out of Maryland, Merriman had a shaky start with the Chargers when his agent held him out of offseason workouts until he signed a contract. Despite fears of protracted negotiations, he missed only a week of training camp before signing a deal potentially worth $15.73 million, with $9 million guaranteed. Merriman caused some concern when he hurt his knee in the final exhibition game and missed the season opener. He made up for it with a succession of big plays for the Chargers, especially after becoming a starter on Oct. 23 at Philadelphia. "I think anybody who goes as high as I did in the draft should be planning to be a game-changer, point blank," he said. "I figured somewhere down the line, if I learned fast enough and stuck by these older guys, sit back and learn as much as I could, that I could get out here and perform, that was really it. I've got a bunch of great teammates, and you almost can't go wrong being around those guys, with their years of experience." Merriman finished with a team-high 10 sacks among his 54 tackles. He made his biggest headlines when San Diego handed Indianapolis its first loss in Game 14. Merriman sacked Peyton Manning twice, including once with a monster swipe at Manning's legs. "I didn't know I took him completely off his feet with one swipe. When that happened, I just looked and said, 'Man, that was a cool play.' It took me a while before I realized I still had to do the 'Lights Out' dance because I didn't know I sacked him," the extroverted Merriman said. Even Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer would chuckle at Merriman's words of wisdom. "Shawne, of course, he's something," Schottenheimer said. "He's an extremely talented young man who brings it every snap. "I frankly told him that he surpassed my expectations. I thought he played extremely well. He's very, very competitive. He's bright. Given the fact he went through a number of circumstances prior to getting the opportunity to come in and start and play, I was pleasantly surprised." Merriman is the first Chargers player to win the award. He also is the third straight linebacker and fifth in the last six years to win. Last year's top rookie defender was Jonathan Vilma of the Jets.
Posts: 1,748

01-04-2006, 02:43 PM	#16
StcChief Playing for #1 Draft Pick Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Just West of Lambs land Casino cash: $10004900	DJ tailed off after good start. Longivity will tell. Still think he'll be a good LB with the right coaching. __________________ sig test for this screwy schema
Posts: 25,901

01-04-2006, 03:52 PM	#18
Halfcan In Search of a Life Join Date: Aug 2005 Casino cash: $7327995	DJ was not even mentioned-its all about sacks and turnovers-which he had very few.
Posts: 43,200