How Alvin Kamara’s breakout season earned him the 2017 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award

Not a lot of people had the New Orleans Saints penciled in as contenders before the season started. But after back-to-back losses to start the season, the Saints went on an incredible eight-game winning streak before finishing the season 11-5 and five seconds away from a trip to the NFC Championship.

The Saints’ reemergence this season can be attributed to the breakout performance from rookie running back Alvin Kamara. Not only did the third-round pick from Tennessee get a Pro Bowl nod this year, he was named the 2017 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year on Saturday night, as announced by the NFL.

Kamara’s teammate Marshon Lattimore won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award, completing a Saints sweep. It’s the first time that’s been done in a while:

Kareem Hunt gave Kamara somewhat of a challenge in voting, but it was his to lose:

The rookie ran for 728 yards and eight touchdowns, while averaging 6.1 yards per rush.

His versatility in the passing game was the perfect match with future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees. He also caught 81 passes for 826 yards and five touchdowns. He had the second-most catches among all running backs, and the 826 yards he compiled were the most among his positional peers.

Beyond the stats and the life he injected into the Saints’ offense, Kamara was just downright fun to watch.

If a defense gave Kamara an inch of daylight, he made them pay for it. Just ask the Rams, who gave up this 74-yard touchdown run in Week 12.

With a full head of steam, Kamara could take down any linebacker a defense threw in his direction this season. He can break arm and shoestring tackles with ease. Kurt Coleman can tell you just how hard it is to tackle Kamara.

He can go airborne, too.

Kamara will be one of the NFL’s most thrilling superstars for years to come and is well deserving of the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.