Baltimore Ravens: September Awards
By Joe Serpico
Offensive Rookie of the Year
Oct 1, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Nick Boyle (82) jumps over Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons (bottom) during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Ravens won 23-20 in overtime.Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
This honor could go to either of the rookie tight ends, Boyle or Maxx Williams, but we expected Williams to be a contributor when he was selected in the second round. We did not expect the same from the fifth-round pick from Delaware. We weren’t even sure if he was going to make the 53-man roster with the unknown surrounding Dennis Pitta.
Boyle has just five catches for 31 yards. The numbers aren’t exactly mind-boggling, but he has those five receptions on just six targets. His teammate has seven catches for 81 yards, but those have come on 14 intended targets. Most of the action has come since Gillmore went down, but he showed his skills on his first two receptions when he hurdle over one Bengals player and then gave Adam Jones a stiff-arm that put him straight to the ground.
The rookies were the only two tight ends on the roster for Thursday’s game against the Steelers and Boyle was also involved in a fake field goal attempt. Boyle has shown athleticism when he’s gotten chances and his role should continue to expand as the season progresses.
Next: The Defensive Rookie of the Year