NFL Defensive MVP for 2011

by mcwagner on Dec 8, 2011 11:13 AM PST

This is in response to Demise's fanpost on the 49er MVP that got me thinking about the NFL Defensive MVP. We all know who is getting the Offensive and NFL MVP so there is no discussion there. But what about the defensive side of the ball. I feel like we can make a strong case for Mr. Willis.

Willis: The name and face of the franchise is having his best season yet as a complete player. Number 4 total defense, first against the run, and allows the fewest points. There is no doubt that we have a great defense and I really have to tip my hat to Fangio. We Niner fans know that it is a team effort lead with Justin Smith getting better. Carlos Rogers is having a career year. Rookie Aldon Smith is having a monster first year. And of course NaVorro Bowman is playing out of his mind is one of the best in the league already in his young career. But the national perception rests with Patrick Willis who has been outstanding since entering the league. He has nearly a hundred tackles as usual, leads all LBs in pass deflections, 4 forced fumbles with 2 recoveries and a pick to boot. What is best is the leadership that he has on the defense. His stats are an injustice to him because there is so much that he is doing that does not get recorded.

Jared Allen: The guy is having a phenomenal year with 14.5 sacks, a safety, an interception, 4 forced fumbles, aaannnd, 4 recoveries! Someone needs to tell this guy that there are ten other guys on the field to help him. Looking at the team, nevermind. He is a great player with a horrible team and that is one of the reasons he will miss out. That and his sack dance is atrocious.

Haloti Ngata/ Terrell Suggs: We found out how good the Baltimore defense is. We found out how good Haloti Ngata is. We found out how good Terrell Suggs is. Suggs could be the front runner with double digit sacks, a couple of interceptions, and by being a menace in general. Not to be outdown, his large friend is taking on more large men than a Sizzler, except they don't want anymore.

Why are the Texans and Steelers so good?: Both have outstanding defenses, but I cannot really pinpoint one player in particular as to who could be a front runner for the MVP. Perhaps like our own team the award can go to the face of the defense. With the Texans that would be Brian Cushing although Johnathan Joseph would be more deserving. Then there is the Steeler defense that everyone called slow and old early in the season. Just like that old guy at the bar, don't mess with them. Maybe media darling Troy Polamalu will get a look as he is the reigning defensive MVP. I don't know how as he is still a superb talent, but he is not getting the turnovers like usual.

Who will win it and is not close to deserving it: Darrelle Revis. Even though he is on only an above average defense, he is in New York and his coach is loud. His 4 interceptions has him tied for 5th in the league so that may be enough to push him up, that and his 100 yard return for a touchdown. They will not make the playoffs and it won't matter. Revis is a 99 on Madden, Willis is only a 98...

So what are our opinions on the subject? Is there anyone I'm missing or is someone on here too hyped up?

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors.

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P Willy with 13 pass defenses!

That is ridiculous. Should Defensive MVPs be so closely tied to team success? If Willis were on a playoff team in his first years, he would have won it at least once. Look at Ray Lewis’ stats during his defensive mvp years. I like Jared Allen too, but the whole Minnesota thingy discounts him. Charles Woodson maybe? not quite the 2009 CWood but still having a very good season.

by itsAteamGAME on Dec 9, 2011 2:47 AM PST reply actions

Isn't D Ware right up there with Allen for sacks?

There’s no way Revis wins it. It will likely go to whoever leads the league in sacks and it could very well be Allen. Something tells me the fact that the rest of the team is horrible will help him.

For Revis, being tied for 5th in INTs is not exactly spectacular for him; even if no one throws his way. It will be a travesty if he gets it based on the fact that his coach has a big, obnoxious f’n mouth and he’s in NY.

by 9thevolution on Dec 9, 2011 6:43 AM PST reply actions

Don't be too surprised if he gets some votes. I totally agree with you on Revis

D Ware should be in the conversation as well. The only problem is that he isn’t really doing anything spectacular compared to his other years. That is a testament to how good of a player he is. However, Dallas is not really known for having a lock-down defense even if it is better than the Jets’.
So with Allen and Ware is it, “they don’t really make the players around them better” or “this team would be a joke without them”? All I know is that the last MVP to win without a top ten defense was when Strahan “broke” the sack record.

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by mcwagner on Dec 9, 2011 9:14 AM PST up reply actions