NFL: 5 Players Who Deserve NFL Player of the Year Honor

On Monday the Associated Press, via the National Football League Network, announced its choice for Defensive Player of the Year. Troy Polamalu became the sixth Steeler to win the award and the second since 2008. Polamalu tallied 63 tackles and seven picks but is considered to be the heart and soul of that Pittsburgh defense.

So that got me to thinking, which can be dangerous. When it comes to defense, who else should have been considered for this award besides Matthews, Polamalu and the usual suspects?

DeMarcus Ware, LB, Cowboys

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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 21: Quarterback Shaun Hill #14 of the Detroit Lions scrambles with the ball under pressure by Demarcus Ware #94 of the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on November 21, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys beat the Lions 35-19.

I understand why Ware didn’t make the list, and it’s primarily due to the Cowboys atrocious play on defense.  Ware’s tackles are down for the past two season, but his sack totals have remained consistent. Without Ware I’m not sure if the Cowboys would have won more than four or five games—he’s that important to the team’s defensive stability.

London Fletcher, LB, Redskins

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LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 12: London Fletcher #59 of the Washington Redskins is introduced before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers defeated the Redskins 17-16. (Photo by Lar

Fletcher is about as consistent as it comes for defensive players. Fletcher has logged at least 125 tackles per season since 2002 and has started every game since 2001. London doesn’t usually make heads turn but add him to your team’s defensive rotation and I can guarantee your defensive improves in the middle.

Ndamukong Suh, DT, Lions

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TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 19: Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh #90 of the Detroit Lions warms up prior to the start of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

I know homie is only a rookie, but my goodness, his impact alone was massive. They say its cold in the D, but Suh brought the heat this season, just ask Donovan McNabb and Jake Delhomme. Suh recorded 10 sacks as a defensive tackle and 66 tackles. His presence alone gives Lions fans hope for the future; I just hope the rest of the league is ready.

Charles Woodson, CB, Packers

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Charles Woodson #21 of the Green Bay Packers reacts in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Charlie Wood is one of my favorite players in the league. My man doesn’t shy away from contact, and he was last year’s winner of this award. Woody had 92 tackles, a career high for him, and helped lead his team to a Super Bowl appearance. Wood’s impact on the Packers defense was just as important as Clay Matthews as some quarterbacks tend to shy away from Woody’s side.

Terrell Suggs, LB, Ravens

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 15: Linebacker Terrell Suggs #55 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after sacking quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Heinz Field on January 15, 2011 in Pittsburgh, P

T-Sizzle probably has more mouth than anybody in the NFL, but his impact is just as loud. Suggs had 12 sacks and 68 total tackles this year as he helped to lead the Ravens to the playoffs. It’s funny that Terrell is approaching his 10th year in the league, and we’re still talking about him and Ray Lewis. Suggs had his best year statistically and pissed off a few Steelers on his way to doing it.