Charge it to the Game

Vince Young, Maurice Jones-Drew, and Marcus McNeill? After breaking his left hand in August, who would have thought that McNeill would be one of the top left tackles in the NFL, in just one season? Why isn't he being considered as the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year? Oh yeah, he has also played with a broken right hand as well.

The blind side of Philip Rivers has not one scratch on it, thanks to the physical and overbearing play of the 6-7, 335 lbs. hard charging rookie known as Marcus McNeill. He is also a critical piece in the offensive clog that has led to a record breaking season from LaDainian Tomlinson. Face it, offensive linemen do not get respect. The last offensive linemen to make splashes in the national media are undoubtedly Steve Hutchinson and Orlando Pace.

The case for McNeill is simple. He has given up virtually zero sacks, and has had a strong enough pull on the left side for Lorenzo Neal to push through and lead block for Tomlinson. Just study some tapes or watch McNeill himself, only if you can keep your eyes off of Tomlinson. If Cory Lekkerkerker has been starting, Philip Rivers would have hit the ground more than the 23 times he has been sacked this year. Marcus McNeill is also a Pro Bowl contender. He has man-handled the likes of Joey Porter this year with his rare ability for his size.

McNeill's accomplishments can't be seen on Stats, Inc., nor will they ever make the highlight reel.

History is against McNeill though, as only one offensive lineman has won the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year since its inception. In 1968, tackle Earl McCullouch from the Detroit Lions brought it home. If it is of any resolve, only 2 quarterbacks have ever won the award, as well as only 6 wide receivers.

Marcus McNeill's accomplishments should no longer go unnoticed. I am officially throwing his name into the ring of honor as a Rookie of the Year candidate, along side Vince Young and Maurice Jones-Drew. If he doesn't get at least 20% of the votes, we must charge it to not just the game, but the media.