Since the Ravens season is now officially over it’s time to take a breath and reflect on 2009. So myself along with the rest of our staff will be presenting the 1st annual Ravens Gab player awards. As always I hope that our loyal readers will be able to give their opinions about our choices as we unveil each of the winners.

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First category up is the Special Teams player of the year. This was one of the more difficult choices to make but I assure all of you it won’t be a kicker.

Punter Sam Koch received consideration as he enjoyed another solid campaign and was among the league’s best at putting the ball inside the opponent’s twenty.

But, the versatility and explosive speed of the rookie Lardarius Webb was enough to earn him the award. Webb was drafted in the third round and it was assumed that he would compete for the Nickel spot. Instead he saw action for the first seven weeks on Special Teams. He caught the eye of many fans on coverage as he always seemed to be around the ball.

Webb caught a break in Week Eight against the Broncos and was installed as the kick returner. He rewarded the Ravens with a thrilling 95-yd kickoff return for a touchdown that helped propel them to a 30-7 beat-down of the AFC West leaders.

Webb continued to return kickoffs and was part of a return group that lead the league in return average with 26 yards a return. In addition to his Special Teams role he also had begun t o assume more snaps on the defense. He continued to be a positive force on Special Teams until he injured his right knee against the Bears in the home finale.

After what appears to be a successful surgery we hope that Lardarius makes a speedy recovery. He has a bright future as an offensive threat as well as a possible starting corner on the defense.