Who's your defensive MVP?

Xavier with Griffin honorable mention.  

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. :P

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.

LINVAL for me...

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? 

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

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

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.

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

Best defense we have fielded ever based on talent.

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

Wow, not enough Linval love so far...Shame on y'all, he makes the defense offensive ;)

Depends...Lival makes the opponents O one dimensional...Rhodes takes the opponents #1 option after Linval takes the running game out of the equation...nevermind...It's Linval...then Rhodes, then the Queen on Zim's chess board, Harrison...

Linval for me.  He anchors that line, lets the LBs look good running free.  And he makes so many plays all over the field.  Dude moves for a big man. 

Rhodes may be playing the best individually.  But as he sez, he has it easy, he just has to stay on one guy and not worry about the other stuff.  He is dominating the individual matchups.  But if you look at the one guy you would miss most, it has to be Linval.

Smith and Barr are the chess pieces.  Can't leave out BRob standing up in the middle on passing downs. 

That all said, can't believe the one obvious selection nobody has mentioned.  The offense.  Scoring points, not turning it over, running the ball, it makes a world of difference down the stretch this year compared to last year.

I can't pick one...  Linval has been an ABSOLUTE BEAST this season.  Has anyone noticed how often you see him chasing down RBs along the sidelines AND making the tackle?  He's taken his game to another level this season and it's crazy to see a big man hustle around the field like he does.  Tone setter for the rest of the team.

Clobimon made a great point about how Rhodes can completely erase a team's best WR...  So I can see him as the MVP as well.

So how about co-defensive MVP's...  Linval and Rhodes???

The Fixer

Linval (both run game stuffer and gets pass rush at times) with XR a close second (has given up 9 receptions and 96 yards in the past 2 years to the leagues top WRs - AB, Julio, Beckham, and AJ). Our D just is so good with so many good players at all levels. Plus you've gotta love Hitman, what EK can do, Griff's pass rush, and anyone who can eliminate ARod from the game for awhile (Barr).

Smith. His versatility allows Zimmer to be so dynamic in his schemes. You can't say that about Xavier and Linval. They both execute their jobs to perfection, but they don't do multiple things extraordinarily well. Harrison does.

@"FSUVike" said: Smith. His versatility allows Zimmer to be so dynamic in his schemes. You can't say that about Xavier and Linval. They both execute their jobs to perfection, but they don't do multiple things extraordinarily well. Harrison does.

But I was at the game yesterday, eyeing Harry on one play. Before the snap he faked blitzes by falling back (way back) into what looked like coverage and then came-up and blitzed perfectly timed with the snap and a s hit ton of pressure. Hell, he may have even gotten there that one play. It was jaw dropping and beautiful all at once. 

Did you know Dirty Harry is one sack away this year from tying Browners all time sack lead from an S in a season? 

God bless the D. 

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"FSUVike" said: Smith. His versatility allows Zimmer to be so dynamic in his schemes. You can't say that about Xavier and Linval. They both execute their jobs to perfection, but they don't do multiple things extraordinarily well. Harrison does.

Compelling and I'm sticking with Linval.

But I was at the game yesterday, eyeing Harry on one play. He faked blitz, fell back (way back) into what looked like coverage and then came-up and blitzed perfectly timed with a s hit ton of pressure. Hell, he may have even gotten there that one play. It was jaw dropping and beautiful all at once. 

Did you know Dirty Harry is one sack away this year from tying Browners all time sack lead from an S in a season? 

God bless the D. 

Linval.  He's a wall.  Sucks up blockers.  That position neither gets big stats nor recognition.  But when it's a subpar or average performer, it allows other teams to establish the run, then the pass.  Look at our overall numbers...Linval.