Best rookie in history were L.T.(the real one chargers fans and Eric Dickerson Newtons Passing records are already falling.
1. Lawrence Taylor, 1981 Giants
It was defensive coordinator Bill Parcells' first year with the Giants, and what a year it was -- in 1981, the Giants' D dominated, thanks largely to LT, who quickly became the best linebacker in the NFL, making the Pro Bowl and being named AP Defensive Player of the Year.
In 1980, the 4-12 Giants had the second-worst defense in the NFL, surrendering 425 points. In 1981, they had the third-best defense, allowing only 257 points. They went 9-7 and made the playoffs.
Fellow linebacker Brian Kelley was also surprised by LT. "Look at it on paper, you wouldn't believe a weakside linebacker could affect a defense so much. Watching it on film, it's obvious. With Lawrence out there, he completely changes the whole offense."
2. Eric Dickerson, 1983 Rams
Dickerson burst onto the scene with a spectacular season, rushing for a rookie record 1,808 yards and 18 TDs; he also caught 51 passes for 404 yards and another two TDs. He led the NFL in rushing attempts (390), yardage, and yards from scrimmage, and finished second to John Riggins in TDs.
Dickerson was named United Press International's NFC Player of the Year. "Eric Dickerson is the best running back I've ever seen," said O.J. Simpson. "I can't remember any back with more talent or potential than Eric, and that includes myself and Gale Sayers. Every time Dickerson touches the ball, he can go all the way."
1. Lawrence Taylor, 1981 Giants
It was defensive coordinator Bill Parcells' first year with the Giants, and what a year it was -- in 1981, the Giants' D dominated, thanks largely to LT, who quickly became the best linebacker in the NFL, making the Pro Bowl and being named AP Defensive Player of the Year.
In 1980, the 4-12 Giants had the second-worst defense in the NFL, surrendering 425 points. In 1981, they had the third-best defense, allowing only 257 points. They went 9-7 and made the playoffs.
Fellow linebacker Brian Kelley was also surprised by LT. "Look at it on paper, you wouldn't believe a weakside linebacker could affect a defense so much. Watching it on film, it's obvious. With Lawrence out there, he completely changes the whole offense."
2. Eric Dickerson, 1983 Rams
Dickerson burst onto the scene with a spectacular season, rushing for a rookie record 1,808 yards and 18 TDs; he also caught 51 passes for 404 yards and another two TDs. He led the NFL in rushing attempts (390), yardage, and yards from scrimmage, and finished second to John Riggins in TDs.
Dickerson was named United Press International's NFC Player of the Year. "Eric Dickerson is the best running back I've ever seen," said O.J. Simpson. "I can't remember any back with more talent or potential than Eric, and that includes myself and Gale Sayers. Every time Dickerson touches the ball, he can go all the way."
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