Defensive Player of the Year

[True]

It seems like so far that Clay Matthews is a lock for DPOTY. He's got 11.5 sacks (despite missing a couple games) and leads a defense that's #2 in points despite lots of injuries to key players. He looks virtually unstoppable when coming across the LOS.

However, I think Ray Lewis makes a good case for it as well. He's almost top ten in tackles, has two sacks + two picks with a TD. But not just looking at the stats, he's made some clutch plays like that big hit on Dustin Keller at the end of the Jets game, the game ending pick against the Steelers, the forced fumble to win the Bills game, and that pick 6 to pretty much put the dagger against Carolina. Even at his age, he's playing like the best all around LB in the whole league.

Ed's missed six games, yet already has 4 picks and tied for first in the AFC. He's still making ball hawking plays while getting into game shape. Wouldn't be hard to believe he could get 7 or more with 6 games still left to play. He won't win comeback player of the year, but what's he's doing is remarkable in spite of his injury.

So do you think Ray or Ed can win it? I say Ed Reed if he hits 9 picks and makes more amazing highlight plays like that lateral to Landry for a TD, he could win it.

[Bltravens]

As much as I want one of them to, Matthews kind of has it on lock down right now barring a severe slump.

[RivenHale]

I don't think Ray will ever win it again, unless he has an amazing year. I'm talking, like, 300 tackles and fourteen picks, all for TDs. I really think that everyone just sort of accepts that he's so amazing, to the point where it's not shocking that he's good. It doesn't catch anybody's eye because it's just Ray Lewis being Ray Lewis.

[Kwothdaraven]

As long as mathews keeps pace he will win it. However ed reed does have an outside chance.6 turnovers in 4 games is incredible. If he can end with 10 picks he could win it over mathews regardless. Considering he missed all of camp and the first 6 games if the season

[BloodRaven]

Ray, Reed and Ngata have played as well as any defender in the league, but all three have had streaky periods and missed big plays. I think the most consistent defender on our team has been Suggs with 8.5 sacks (yes I'm counting the Palmer sack) and right now I'd say he's tailing Clay Matthews and James Harrison.

[Jabara]

It's too early to call.
If Reed had at least one pick and scores in every game left, as he has had a pick in each game he played, might have a shot.
Ray could have a shot if he steps it up and makes amazing plays and ups his stats in every game, given the player he has been, does have a shot, a long one, but a shot mainly because of who he is and playing at such a high level given his age.
Ngata has the best shot so far on out team, although he's not showed it recently.
I'm not sure if he's playing through an injury, or what might be happening, but he'll have to step it up to in order to beat out Matthews.
That dude is playing insane, he needs to be checked for PEDs. He's a monster.
Reed also shows a case for being so valuable seeing his impact since he came back, but most won't consider that when they vote.
So far I'd say Reed is our MVP, if not Joe and Ray is always in there.

[Ravensdiciple96]

I don't see why Reed wont have a HUGE chance of stealing it, if in fact he continues making picks and taking it up a notch. But I think if he stays with the pace he is going with now, why wouldn't they give him a legit chance. Yeah of course it's a biased statement, but if in fact he continues what he's doing now or gets even better numbers, a blind man could see he was a legit shot at getting it. Clay is having a killer season as well, but just imagine if Ed was healthy and played the six games he missed, ehhh?!?!?!?

I did vote for Clay, but the heart is with Reed. Yeah I can't figure it out either.

[Radinho84]

i don´t think ed could have a shot even if he had 12 picks at the end of the year. just because hi missed to many games. if clay continues to play like he does he deserves to be the DPOTY in my eyes.

ray become dpoty every season just because of the great impact he has on the team. i think there is not a single player in the league who has that kind of impact to their team. but like someone said before nobody takes notice of his greatness just because everybody is used to him beeing a absolutely monster out there. he doesn´t need to prove anything. we all know thet he is the real DPOTWorld!!!

[MKdave]

I think if he keeps pace or close to pace, then he will win that award. However, there are a few guys that I think could sneak it from him if they really turn it on for the remainder of the season. Cameron Wake, Suh, James Harrison, DeAngelo Hall, and Ed Reed (4 picks through four games, 6 to go? 10 picks through 10 games would be a very convincing argument for DPoY any year).

[TSizzle00]

Sorry but Clay is just a beast this season. Not taking anything away from Ray and Reed. Clay would look good next to Suggs

[benravens1]

Ed might have a shot if he continues at the pace he's going with INTs.

but Clay deserves it to be honest, he's been unplayable this year and by the end of the season he could be on 20 or so sacks. which deserves to win DPOY any year.

[BloodRaven]

Looking back we've seen defenders with higher position specific production (Ware in 08) and the ability (Revis in 09) lose out to more well rounded defenders (James Harrison and Charles Woodson). I'd say Trent Cole is the most complete defender this season, he's beasting and simply does more with less.

[theFRANCHISE]

As stated earlier, Clay Matthews is the probable lock to win the award even if he does nothing the rest of this season. That said, Ed Reed certainly has a chance of being the dark horse pick (never thought I'd say that about Reed), mainly if he keeps racking up turnovers. There's no ignoring the turnovers if they're forced on a consistent basis, especially in big games. If Reed were to lead the league in interceptions at season's end even after missing 6 games, that'd probably put him as the frontrunner.

[edreedfromtheu]

The great thing about Defensive Player Of The Year is... unlike the Pro-Bowl, you get to wait until ALL THE GAMES are played before making a decision. I still find it stupid that we start voting for Pro-Bowl players in, what, the 6th week of the season?

Right NOW, I'd say Clay Matthews will be the biggest name on everyone's mind. But yeah, if Reed can end up with double digit picks after missing the first six games... that's awesome. And perhaps he even gets a few TDs! Maybe a punt return since he's getting chances there every now and then.

And someone from any of the other teams could come out of nowhere.

All I know is.... there's 6 more weeks of games left. And I plan on enjoying every single one! Let's bring Josh Freeman back down to Earth this weekend!

And everyone... have a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday!

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='RivenHale' timestamp='1290493296' post='548827']
I don't think Ray will ever win it again, unless he has an amazing year. I'm talking, like, 300 tackles and fourteen picks, all for TDs. I really think that everyone just sort of accepts that he's so amazing, to the point where it's not shocking that he's good. It doesn't catch anybody's eye because it's just Ray Lewis being Ray Lewis.
[/quote]
At this point, as stupid as this sounds, Ray Lewis winning a third Defensive Player of the Year award means nothing because everyone recognizes him as Defensive Player of the Decade, and arguably the best Defensive Player of All-Time, and almost certainly the best MLB of All-Time.

No one really remembers Defensive Player of the Year award-winners; they only remember Super Bowl Champions and all-time greats.

[1/28/01]

[quote name='edreedfromtheu' timestamp='1290525867' post='548960']
The great thing about Defensive Player Of The Year is... unlike the Pro-Bowl, you get to wait until ALL THE GAMES are played before making a decision. I still find it stupid that we start voting for Pro-Bowl players in, what, the 6th week of the season?

Right NOW, I'd say Clay Matthews will be the biggest name on everyone's mind. But yeah, if Reed can end up with double digit picks after missing the first six games... that's awesome. And perhaps he even gets a few TDs! Maybe a punt return since he's getting chances there every now and then.

And someone from any of the other teams could come out of nowhere.

All I know is.... there's 6 more weeks of games left. And I plan on enjoying every single one! Let's bring Josh Freeman back down to Earth this weekend!

And everyone... [b]have a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday![/b]
[/quote]
It sure would be something if Ed missed over a 1/3rd of the season and even was in consideration for DPOY, let alone won it!

You as well sir...

[FerrariFan87]

If our D returns to form over these last few weeks and we win the division and secure a Top 3 seed, I can see Ray and Ed being considered, but I doubt they'll win it. As others have said, these awards don't mean anything if you don't win it all.

[Jamal]

No way you don't give it to Clay Mathews. Dude has been an all out monster this year.

[JohnnyBoy8102]

I don't think Ray will win it but he should definitely be a Pro Bowl starter and AP 1st team all pro again. (Like '08 and '09).

Ray almost has some sort of "Michael Jordan" thing were he could win the award every season but the voters decide to give it to someone else.

[usmccharles]

Dont get me wrong, Ray is my man as well as Ed, but no way should they even be considered for this. Dont you think you are being a little biased here?

[1/28/01]

Huh? Go ask a Steeler about Polamalu this year.....he's been very quiet, for the most part, all year.

Edit - wait, where did the "Polamalu should be DPOY" post go?

[scrock]

Ray Lewis would have the best chance out of him and Ed Reed because Reed hasn't played most of the season. I think Haloti Ngata has been our best defender all year though. I don't think any Raven is really in the discussion at this point, Ngata was earlier in the season.

[cursona pirate]

im hoping for reed or ray but it might go to matthews!
reed coming off an injury is doing very well

[flaccopoe]

I'm guessing it will either go to Clay Matthews or Suh.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='flaccopoe' timestamp='1290740671' post='550881']
I'm guessing it will either go to Clay Matthews or Suh.
[/quote]

Suh will receive DROY but not DPOY

[MKdave]

I think Suh's been nearly as good as Matthews. If he turns it on down the stretch or Clay falls off, it could go to Suh. I don't think he should be penalised because he's a lock for a different award.

[mhead66]

[quote name='MKdave' timestamp='1290517335' post='548896']
I think if he keeps pace or close to pace, then he will win that award. However, there are a few guys that I think could sneak it from him if they really turn it on for the remainder of the season. Cameron Wake, Suh, James Harrison, DeAngelo Hall, and Ed Reed (4 picks through four games, 6 to go? 10 picks through 10 games would be a very convincing argument for DPoY any year).
[/quote]
Right now I think it comes down to Matthews or Harrison - but there's a long way to go.

Matthews is a beast, leads the NFL with 11.5 sacks.

Harrison is more rounded, statistically. He has 9 sacks (4th), 2 interceptions, is in the top 20 in tackles (69, vs. Matthews' 36), and is 2nd with 5 forced fumbles (vs. Matthews' 1).

However, sacks are the attention-getter... so I'd give Matthews the nod.

[RayZ27]

Where's Ngata? But seriously, i think clay matthews

[MKdave]

[quote name='mhead66' timestamp='1290777540' post='551134']
Right now I think it comes down to Matthews or Harrison - but there's a long way to go.

Matthews is a beast, leads the NFL with 11.5 sacks.

Harrison is more rounded, statistically. He has 9 sacks (4th),[b] 2 interceptions[/b], is in the top 20 in tackles (69, vs. Matthews' 36), and is 2nd with 5 forced fumbles (vs. Matthews' 1).

However, sacks are the attention-getter... so I'd give Matthews the nod.
[/quote]
I believe Matthews had a long pick six, though, which the voters will like.

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

Matthews is streets ahead in this race. Our defence is the lowest it has been in years, what would lead to one of our guys winning it now?