Defensive players in the NFL come in all shapes and sizes, but only one can win the Defensive Player of the Year award. The award often goes to a player who is a standout defensive star on a good or even great team. Players from non-competitive teams rarely have a chance at earning this honor. Although there are dozens of players talented enough to win the award, I believe it will come down to one of these five players.
Here are my picks for the top five candidates for Defensive Player of the Year (POY).
#5. Geno Atkins – DT Cincinnati Bengals
Effective and even dominant defensive lineman frequently do not receive the credit they deserve. They can have several solid seasons go unnoticed before gaining respect in the league for their ability and recognition in the media. But, when they start to gain the attention, it is usually there to stay. Whether it is talk about their continued stellar performance, or theories on why they are no longer performing as well as they once were. Geno Atkins is starting to get attention and he is well worth the hype. Atkins had a great season as a defensive tackle with 53 total combined tackles, 12.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and 2 pass deflections. He will be entering his fourth season in the NFL and will be 25 years old at the start of the season. He is still an underdog to win the award, but he has momentum going into the season and should be able to have his best season yet on an improving Cincinnati Bengals defense.
#4. RIchard Sherman – CB Seattle Seahawks
Richard Sherman was the biggest snub when the 2012 NFL Pro Bowl selections were announced. Sherman recently won his appeal of the suspension that was given to him after violating the NFL’s performance enhancing drug policy. In his second year in the NFL, Sherman had 64 total combined tackles, 1 sack, 3 forced fumbles, 8 interceptions, 24 pass deflections, and 1 touchdown. The Seattle Seahawks had one of the best defenses in the league and Sherman led the defense with his strong performance. The Seahawks should have another strong season with a playoff appearance, and Sherman will be a top candidate for the 2013 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
#3. Daryl Washington – LB Arizona Cardinals
Linebacker Daryl Washington had a fantastic third season in the NFL. Washington had a total of 134 combined tackles, 9 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, an interception, and 4 deflected passes in 2012. The biggest roadblock between Washington and a Defensive Player of the Year award is the Arizona Cardinals’ inability to perform. The Cardinals went 5-11 and will be rebuilding over the next season or two. Even if Washington has another breakout year, which he might, he won’t get much attention because the Cardinals are not a contender.
#2. Von Miller – OLB Denver Broncos
Von Miller had a signature year with the Denver Broncos. The linebacker had 18.5 sacks, 68 combined tackles, 1 interception, 6 forced fumbles. He was a big reason that the Broncos were 2nd in the league in total defense. The Broncos should come back strong next season and Von Miller is the second most likely candidate to win the Defensive Player of the Year Award.
#1. J.J Watt – DE Houston Texans
J.J. Watt was the most dominant defensive player in the 2012 NFL season. Watt led the league in sacks with 20.5, had 81 combined total tackles, 23 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles. Probably the most interesting statistic is Watt’s 16 pass deflections, which is unheard of for a defensive lineman. Watt has an uncanny ability to time his jump perfectly to disrupt the opposing quarterback’s passes. He deserves all of the recognition that he receives, and he should win the 2013 Defensive POY Award.
Sources
ESPN.com
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