Falcons RB Tyler Allgeier doesn’t make AP Offensive Rookie of the Year finalists

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The Falcons have had rookies break franchise records in each of the last two seasons. Kyle Pitts set several records, and Drake London broke his receptions mark. But those are first-round picks; it’s not too surprising. Tyler Allgeier, a fifth-round pick, breaking the Falcons’ all-time rookie rushing record came out of nowhere. Yet, he still wasn’t recognized as one of the best first-year players, according to the Associated press, who released their Offensive Rookie of the Year finalists:

  • Brock Purdy, 49ers QB
  • Kenneth Walker III, Seahawks RB
  • Garrett Wilson, Jets WR

I won’t argue against Brock Purdy or Garrett Wilson. Both have had incredible seasons, particularly the 49ers’ rookie signal caller. After being the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Brock Purdy has played flawlessly in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. He deserves praise, but Allgeier’s numbers are equally as impressive as Kenneth Walker’s — something I’ve dissected multiple times.

Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks

Stats: 228 carries, 1,050 rushing yards, 27 catches, 165 receiving yards, 9 total TDs

Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons

Stats: 210 carries, 1,035 rushing yards, 16 catches, 139 receiving yards, 4 total TDs

That is absolutely ridiculous. Walker has totaled 1,215 yards from scrimmage on 255 touches; Allgeier has 1,174 on 226 touches — 4.67 yards per touch compared to Allgeier’s 5.19 yards per touch.

On a per touch basis, there wasn’t a more productive rookie runner than Allgeier. However, if you want to take into account the other more arbitrary factors in this argument, Allgeier’s case grows even stronger. The BYU product didn’t become a starter until the end of the season and remained in a running back by committee backfield for the entire season. Purdy’s numbers are impressive in a vacuum because he hasn’t played more than a handful of games, so why should Allgeier not assuming a bulk of the carries until the season was halfway over be held against him?
Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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