Who's your defensive MVP?

[purplefaithful]

Linval
Everson
Harry
XR
Other?

Great discussion on this during local radio today

[Guest]

Xavier with Griffin honorable mention.  

[Guest]

It's hard to pick one since they're all pieces of the whole while individually good... but I think I almost have to say Rhodes.  We keep seeing these receivers having huge games before facing the Vikings (and after) but Rhodes has routinely limited or nearly shut them down.  Some teams are strapped for playmakers so when their biggest one is taken away it hurts.  It's easy to choose one of the other guys though too.

[Guest]

Agree with the above list but don't forget Kendricks.  He's having a really good year.  If I had to pick one I'd go with X.

[Guest]

LINVAL for me...

[Guest]

X. He takes care of the other team's main receiving threat and shuts them down.  We should also keep in mind that X usually does not have to cover receivers for too long thanks to the pass rush.
Griffen gets QB pressures even when not getting sacks. He has been great.
When things are going wrong, who usually steps up to straighten things out? Seems like more often than not it is Harrison Smith.
And Kendricks is as reliable as they come.
One of my favorites because he has played at a high level for so long is Newman. He may not be the MVP, but I keep hoping he does not retire just yet. I mean, what's so hard about being a 40 year old CB in the NFL? 

[Guest]

1. Rhodes
2. Joseph
3. Griffen
4. Kendricks

Strangely, Harrison Smith's play has dropped off in the second half of the season.

[Guest]

I'd pick Joseph only because shutting down the run is so important to making their opponents one dimensional.  If Linval isn't there disrupting and mauling the OLine, then 3rd and long doesn't happen as often.

XR, Griff, Kendricks, Smith and Barr are all worthy of Pro Bowl selections too.

[Guest]

Total collective effort, at least 2 players at each level.

Best defense we have fielded ever based on talent.

[Guest]

Smith makes that defense special IMO. When he is out there is a noticeable drop off.  Griffen next then Rhodes IMO.