Could Demarcus Ware be NFL Defensive Player of Year this season?

[LarryCanadian]

The guy is just doing everything. Out of bad luck or whatever he probably should statistically have 2-3 more sacks (penalties, bad calls, whatever).

He can even pass cover some (that pass defense yesterdays was a great athletic play).

He's already much better against the run to the outside, and his pursuit and motor against runs that aren't even towards him are awesome. He has run down numerous runners from behind this year. He sheds blockers really well and his bull rush for his weight is great. He is amazingly strong at around 260 pounds.

He needs some hype. He is recognized but probably still underrated by media anyway.

Does he have a shot at Defensive Player of Year. Who are his competitors at this point?

LarryCanadian

 

[smarta5150]

He should definitely be a canidate.

The Steelers LB Harrison (I think thats his name) is having a helluva year and will get a lot of consideration IMO.

 

[theogt]

Vrable is his only other real competitor.

 

[Cowboys22]

Can someone name a player actually playing better than Ware? There are a few with better stats but that's doesn't mean they are playing better. Haynesworth is getting a ton of hype but after the stomping incident I bet many would not vote for him. I think he has a great shot if he finishes strong. He needs one over the top performance with like 3 sacks and/or a TD return.

 

[CrazyCowboy]

He sure would have my vote over everyone else......heck, I might even vote for Ellis.....(I cannot believe what he has done) in less games no less.

 

[smarta5150]

Vrable is his only other real competitor.

And James Harrison... look at the all around effort in stats he has put up.

 

[dogunwo]

I cannot stand Vrable or Rodney Harrison. Those two players alone make me hate the Patriots. Belicheat too.

 

[Dcowboy84]

i think he is definitely in the running for it...

when we have this many high profile games where the commentators are noticing the terrific plays he makes, and the little things he does so well, plus the sack numbers

i think he will be competing with Kampman from GB, even though he didn't do anything last night he still leads the league in sacks and normally plays really well

i also wonder if they will put Patrick Willis on that ballot, even though he's a rookie...i think it's nearly a done deal that he gets Defensive ROY, and he leads the league in tackles, so that's one to watch.

now my dark horse may seem far-fetched, and with the games missed w/ injuries i don't know how that factors in, but with the year he's having, you have to wonder if Ellis gets consideration if he keeps up with these numbers he's getting.....just a thought

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Just for old times' sake...

DPOY​

Absolutely he could win it. We have a high-profile, winning team. And he'll have a chance to put up even better numbers the next few weeks. Detroit (with Martz) always gives up a lot of sacks. Philly is iffy. Carolina will start either Sack Machine Carr or Old Man Vinny.

Besides, who else is going to win it?

 

[smarta5150]

Just for old times' sake...

DPOY​

Absolutely he could win it. We have a high-profile, winning team. And he'll have a chance to put up even better numbers the next few weeks. Detroit (with Martz) always gives up a lot of sacks. Philly is iffy. Carolina will start either Sack Machine Carr or Old Man Vinny.

Besides, who else is going to win it?

No one listens to me

James Harrison (LB-PIT) could.

 

[superpunk]

I've got a sig bet with some Commanders fan about this - that Ware will at least be in the discussion for DPOY at year's end.

Looks like that's about locked up, but I have no idea who it was. firehawk, probably.

 

[Idgit]

No one listens to me

James Harrison (LB-PIT) could.

We've got you on ignore.

Harrison has had some insane games. I haven't watched Pit enough this year to talk about his consistency, but he's been impressive on the highlight reel.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

I heard you, smarta, and you're right. That Monday Night game will make an impression with some voters, for sure. Plus, he really is good.

But I guess my point was that usually there are a few old names that people think of... Used to be Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Champ Bailey, Jason Taylor... Lately Merriman. And we know none of those guys will get it this year.

So I'd say Ware has as good a chance as anyone.

 

[smarta5150]

We've got you on ignore.

Harrison has had some insane games. I haven't watched Pit enough this year to talk about his consistency, but he's been impressive on the highlight reel.

I tried putting myself on my ignore list once.

 

[smarta5150]

I heard you, smarta, and you're right. That Monday Night game will make an impression with some voters, for sure. Plus, he really is good.

But I guess my point was that usually there are a few old names that people think of... Used to be Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Champ Bailey, Jason Taylor... Lately Merriman. And we know none of those guys will get it this year.

So I'd say Ware has as good a chance as anyone.

He definitely will.

I think it will come down to Theo's horse, Ware and my horse.

 

[AbeBeta]

Ware should be. But he needs a huge game to really draw attention -- of course, he comes up huge every game for us -- yesterday he had two sacks but had one taken away and showed great coverage skills.

 

[ejthedj]

I think he'll just miss it if he keeps it up, probably coming in 3rd due to Cowboy hatred and the perception our D sucks.

However, if he has a huge game or 2 and ends up winning the sack race, he may just win.

And we do have Carolina and Detroit coming up, plus an immobile McNabb probably.

 

[Hoofbite]

I guess that will teach me to not walk away from the computer and come back later to post without refreshing. I just posted the exact same thing because I didn't see this thread. Maybe next time Ill refresh the page to see what I've missed.

 

[StanleySpadowski]

It's probably down to Ware, Harrison, Vrabel, Samuel and Kampman.

Ware biggest advantage is exposure. Maxed out in prime time games, a lot of people see him play. The same could be said for Vrabel and Samuel but they will split some of the votes.

Harrison had one really terrific game to put his name in the discussion but he needs to have a second one on top of it after having some invicible games also. His big chance is the NE game. He could win it there with a standout performance.

Kampman's game last night really hurt his chances.


A dark horse is Willis. A lot of people saw him run down Morey.

 

[percyhoward]

Detroit (with Martz) always gives up a lot of sacks.

After that game, Ware and Ellis will very possibly be tied at the top of the league in sacks.