NFL Honors 2012: Why Cam Newton and Von Miller Earned Rookie of the Year Honors

February 5, 2012   ·   Ryan Phillips   ·   Jump to comments

Rarely do the top two players taken in the NFL draft earn awards following their first years in the league. Well, this year we can say that both the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos chose wisely at the top of the 2011 draft.
Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was named the NFL's 2011 Offensive Rookie of the Year, while Broncos linebacker Von Miller won the 2011 Defensive Rookie of the Year award. While guys like Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton and San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith both had excellent seasons, Newton and Miller were both completely deserving of the honors they received.
When Carolina made Newton the top pick in last April's draft, there were tons of questions concerning his character and his ability to adapt to the NFL. While character questions can only be answered over time, those regarding his on-field ability were resolved rather quickly—and emphatically. 
Newton set an NFL record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback ...

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