Arizona Cardinals Off Season Awards: Rookie of the Year

by Andrew602 on Feb 16, 2009 3:00 AM MST

Its about that time for another RotB off season award. This week will be for the Arizona Cardinal rookie of the year. Since there aren't that many rookies on the team, it will be a combination of offense and defense. The rookie of the year can be the most valuable to the team, or whoever put up the best stats. Here is your list of nominees:

Tim Hightower - Hightower went from not being invited to the NFL combine, then being drafted in the 5th round, to being the Arizona Cardinals starting running back. Hightower proved he could handle the pressure of playing in the NFL during his rookie season. He was primarily used as a short-yardage back and used on goal line situations. Tim tied for the league lead in touchdowns among rookies with 10.
Calais Campbell - Campbell was mainly used for special teams, but when he was used in defensive situations, he made the most of his playing time. His stats don't jump out at you, but his dependability did.
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - In his first season, DRC was a late bloomer. He didn't make his first start till late in the season against the 49ers. He did fit the theory that he had a high learning curve because his production picked up after every game. DRC was what the Cardinals wanted and it's easy to see he has a bright future. DRC tied for the league lead for interceptions among rookies with 4.

That's the list of nominees for rookie of the year. If you feel anybody was left off, just leave a comment with who and why.

Poll

Who is the Arizona Cardinal Rookie of the Year?

T. Hightower (Incl Playoffs) - 531 Rush 11 TDs, 261 Pass 2 TDs

11 votes

C. Campbell (Incl Playoffs) - 36 Tackles, 1 FF, 2 PD

2 votes

D. Rodgers-Cromartie (Incl Playoffs) - 62 Tackles, 6 INTs, 1 TD, 1 FG BLK

74 votes

87 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

DRC

is running away with this one like it’s a pick six…

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by DbacksSkins on Feb 16, 2009 12:05 PM MST reply actions

I voted for Hightower...

I guess it’s because I live in Virginia(even though I’m a UVA fan).

by cfaddct on Feb 16, 2009 3:43 PM MST reply actions

I voted for Campbell

just because nobody else had, and I’m an iconoclast like that.

In reality, I would have voted for DRC.

We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan

by DbacksSkins on Feb 16, 2009 4:25 PM MST up reply actions

I've been a little busy lately..

Haven’t had much time to post but I do think DRC had the biggest impact on the team. Tim did a lot for the team also.

Hey, hey, hey hey hey, watch the language, ok? I have a family.
Revenge of the Birds

by Andrew602 on Feb 17, 2009 8:38 AM MST reply actions

Speaking of impact...

It seems to me that having a first year rookie come in and wreck house late in the season had caused the rest of the secondary to step up their game in an effort to not look like complete bums playing next to him. Something woke them up in the post season and I can only pressume it was him.

by badmatty53 on Feb 17, 2009 9:56 AM MST up reply actions