Ameer Abdullah Clearly Top Dog in NFL Rookie of the Year Race

The NFL Rookie of the Year race is too early to be called — it’s somewhat meaningless to predict at this time of the year, anyway. But, if you watched Ameer Abdullah last night against the Jets, it’d be hard to deny his chances at the award as we enter the year’s big stretch.

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Through the impressive night for Detroit, Abdullah broke through and entered the NFL with a bang. He tallied 67 yards over seven carries and proved to be the electric spark at running back that Detroit fans have been yearning for over the span of several seasons.

Reggie Bush superstardom hopes died quickly. With Abdullah, game one is just the beginning of a “hype train” about to leave the station in Michigan.

Below, a few quotes via the New York times from both coaches:

"“He’s just what he was in college,” Bowles said. “He’s about as quick as Barry Sanders. I’m not saying he is Barry Sanders, but he’s got that kind of quickness.”“He’s got some talent,” coach Jim Caldwell said. “He can make you miss and he can run around you. We’ll see how much he does with power, but that’s probably not his forte, necessarily.”"

Barry Sanders talk will turn heads itself, leading us to the biggest question of them all: who might trump Abdullah if his year is indeed Sanders-esque?

Think about it — the balance on the Detroit offense might be as good as it’s ever been. Between the tackles, Abdullah looks to get the bulk of carries. And behind an improved Travis Swanson and newly-acquired Manny Ramirez from the Broncos, the rushing attack may finally thrive.

For Rookie of the Year competition, Abdullah’s biggest threat at RB will be Melvin Gordon in San Diego.

He’ll work in the backfield with Danny Woodhead likely splitting time — in Atlanta, it’s Tevin Coleman looking to break out in his first campaign. For both players, being set up as nicely as Abdullah doesn’t appear to be happening early on.

At the receiver spot, it’s the obvious picks in Kevin White and Amari Cooper. With White ailing already and Cooper being thrown to by work-in-progress Derek Carr, neither can be projected for big years.

The set-up is there for Abdullah. It’s his opportunity to seize the moment and cash in for the fans of Detroit.