First of all, let me start with my usual disclaimer any time I discuss this exciting young player for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
His name is “Martavis” Bryant, not “Martavious” as so many color commentators call him. Just for those of you who might be phonetically challenged, it’s pronounced, “Mar-Ta-Vis.”
Comparing Martavis Bryant to Other Rookie of the Year Frontrunners
Now that you know how to properly spell and say his name, it’s time to discuss why this young man should receive serious consideration for AFC Rookie of the Year. This, despite the fact that he’s played in just four games. No one can dispute the impact he’s had on the offense of the Steelers however.
Right now, most attention will be paid to Sammy Watkins in Buffalo and Jarvis Landry in Miami. Both guys have put up good numbers in receptions and touchdowns and Landry has been vital on the Dolphins’ special teams’ unit as well. There are a couple of running backs like Terrance West and Bishop Sankey who have played well but I don’t see their impact being as significant as these receivers.
If we were discussing NFC players as well, the argument for Bryant would hold less water. Kelvin Benjamin, Odell Beckham, Jr. and Brandin Cooks have all had very good rookie years but this is about the AFC and that’s why Bryant should garner consideration should his current output be maintained.
Here are the current stat lines for the three guys I consider to be front-runners for AFC Rookie of the Year.
Sammy Watkins: 42 receptions, 617 yards, five touchdowns (nine games played)
Jarvis Landry: 37 receptions, 354 yards, two touchdowns, 32-yard kickoff return average (five games played)
Martavis Bryant: 14 receptions, 310 yards, six touchdowns, 22 yards per carry average (four games played)
If I were to look into my crystal ball, I would have to think Bryant will not be able catch either Watkins or Landry in terms of receptions. Ben Roethlisberger just has too many weapons right now and has to share the wealth whereas Watkins and Landry will likely see more targets.
This doesn’t mean we or the experts choosing this award should dismiss Bryant. Good football people already recognize the impact he has had on the offense in Pittsburgh.
For the last couple of years as well as a good portion of Ben Roethlisberger’s career, the Steelers have lacked a true deep threat. One could argue that Mike Wallace was such a threat but I believe Bryant has the potential to be more dynamic.
Bryant has size that Wallace couldn’t match and his speed isn’t that far behind. It isn’t just the ability to get deep either, it’s the ability to stretch the defense consistently which Wallace didn’t always do because of his less-than-average hands.
With Bryant’s presence, the field has opened up significantly for Antonio Brown, Heath Miller and company. Granted, this didn’t occur on Sunday in New York until the final minute of the Steelers loss to the Jets, but it has definitely been visible in the prior three games.
In all likelihood, Bryant won’t win the AFC Rookie of the Year Award because of his missed games but if he continues to have the impact he has already had, over-looking him will be difficult.
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