Not to disrespect Bob Sanders, but how in the world did he win NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Granted, he’s a physical, fast, game changing player. Don’t let me take anything away from his play. I’m not anti-Bob Sanders. He’s one of the best safeties in the league bar none. At the same token though, Peyton Manning is one of best quarterbacks in the league bar none. Does that mean that he should have won Offensive Player of the Year? Should he be anointed MVP? No! The player who had the best year should win the award. Not the guy whom most of the voters are familiar with. Not the guy who’s had great years in the past. It should be the guy who played the best defensive football this year….without exception.  The NFL awards are slowly turning into what the Oscars are….a popularity contest.

Listed below are Bob Sanders’ stats this year along with some other defenders who I think had better years.  Anyone of which should have won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award over Sanders:

Bob Sanders – IND – S

Tackles:                96              

INT:                        2             

DTD:                      0                            

Sack:                      3.5

Brian Urlacher – CHI – LB

Tackles:                123         

INT:                        5

DTD:                      1

Sack:                      5

Marcus Trufant – SEA – CB

Tackles:                91          

INT:                        8             

DTD:                      2

Sack:                      0

Antonio Cromartie – SD – CB

Tackles:                45          

INT:                        10          

DTD:                      2             

Sack:                      0