Offensive Rookie of the Year: Luck overlooked as RGIII wins title on Saturday

Indianapolis struggled to win two games in 2011 without Peyton Manning. When Andrew Luck came to town, the Colts had a miraculous turnaround ending with an 11-5 record. Rookie quarterback Andrew Luck led his team with his fortitude and unwillingness to give up. With his mind always on success and growth, he led his team to the playoffs. Rookie passer rating: Griffin set a rookie record with his passer rating of 102.4 this season. He ranked third behind Aaron Rodgers (108.0) and Peyton Manning (105.8). Rookie rushing yards: Griffin rushed for 815 yards for 7 touchdowns throughout his rookie season. He ran the ball 120 times and averaged 6.8 yards per carry. Griffin's longest run was for 76 yards during the Redskin's game against the Vikings.Robert Griffin III rookie season stats:Passer rating - 102.4Passing yards - 3,200Passing touchdowns - 20Rushing yards - 815Rushing touchdowns - 7Rookie season yards passing: Luck surpassed the number of yards thrown by Cam Newton last season. It took Luck only 15 games to break a record Newton set over an entire season. Luck ended his rookie season with 4,374 yards passing and 23 touchdowns. Newton's previous record was set at 4,051 yards in 2011.Rookie single-game passing yards: Midway through the season, Luck set the record for rookie single-game passing yards. During the Colts victory over the Dolphins in week 9, Luck passed for 433 yards and two touchdowns.Most 300+ yard games in rookie season:  After passing for over 300 yards in six games during his rookie season, the record is now Luck's to lose. These six games includes the Colts victories over Green Bay (362), Miami (433)and Detroit (391) as well as their losses to Chicago (309), Jacksonville (313) and New England (334). Luck's rookie season stats: Passer rating - 76.5Passing yards - 4,374Passing touchdowns - 23Rushing yards - 255Rushing touchdowns - 5View the list »
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 26: (L-R) Quarterback prospects Robert Griffin III from Baylor and Andrew Luck from Stanford arrive on the red carpet during the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 26, 2012 in New York City.

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Beginning even before being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts, Andrew Luck's impact to the NFL has been under extreme analysis. Without a doubt, Luck has proven his relevancy in the league as well as backed up his status as number one draft pick. Despite his record-breaking rookie season, Luck fell short in the race for 2012 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Robert Griffin III was award the title at the NFL Honors ceremony on the eve of Super Bowl XLVII.

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After being drafted back to back, the two quarterbacks have naturally been, and will continue to be, compared for their skills, leadership ability and overall success. Both Luck and Griffin led their teams to both a winning record and a playoff berth. While the two quarterbacks succeeded beyond expectations, Griffin won the votes in the end.

Did Griffin deserve the title over Luck? Here is a comparison of both Luck and Griffin's rookie seasons. Take a look at the stats and decide for yourself.

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  • Rookie season yards passing: Luck surpassed the number of yards thrown by Cam Newton last season. It took Luck only 15 games to break a record Newton set over an entire season. Luck ended his rookie season with 4,374 yards passing and 23 touchdowns. Newton's previous record was set at 4,051 yards in 2011.Rookie single-game passing yards: Midway through the season, Luck set the record for rookie single-game passing yards. During the Colts victory over the Dolphins in week 9, Luck passed for 433 yards and two touchdowns.Most 300+ yard games in rookie season:  After passing for over 300 yards in six games during his rookie season, the record is now Luck's to lose. These six games includes the Colts victories over Green Bay (362), Miami (433)and Detroit (391) as well as their losses to Chicago (309), Jacksonville (313) and New England (334). Luck's rookie season stats: Passer rating - 76.5Passing yards - 4,374Passing touchdowns - 23Rushing yards - 255Rushing touchdowns - 5
  • Rookie passer rating: Griffin set a rookie record with his passer rating of 102.4 this season. He ranked third behind Aaron Rodgers (108.0) and Peyton Manning (105.8). Rookie rushing yards: Griffin rushed for 815 yards for 7 touchdowns throughout his rookie season. He ran the ball 120 times and averaged 6.8 yards per carry. Griffin's longest run was for 76 yards during the Redskin's game against the Vikings.Robert Griffin III rookie season stats:Passer rating - 102.4Passing yards - 3,200Passing touchdowns - 20Rushing yards - 815Rushing touchdowns - 7
  • Indianapolis struggled to win two games in 2011 without Peyton Manning. When Andrew Luck came to town, the Colts had a miraculous turnaround ending with an 11-5 record. Rookie quarterback Andrew Luck led his team with his fortitude and unwillingness to give up. With his mind always on success and growth, he led his team to the playoffs. 
  • In 2011, the Redskins finished the season 5-11. After drafting RGIII, Washington had a complete turnaround earning 10 wins and a spot in the playoffs. 
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, Indianapolis Colts Examiner

Kim Fox, an avid football fan, is a long-time fan of the Indianapolis Colts. She manages at least two fantasy football teams each season and has won multiple championships. She would consider Lucas Oil Stadium her home away from home because she attends every home game and mini-camp held in the...

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