Matthews Is Sporting News Defensive Player Of The Year
Matthews is the favorite among his peers.
Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews has been tabbed the defensive player of the year by The Sporting News.
Whether that transfers over to the “real” award, which is voted on by the Associated Press, remains to be seen, but Matthews will have some real competition from Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu.
That being said, it’s hard to argue with the rationale of TSN.
Beyond his statistics (23-1/2 sacks, 11 passes defended, three forced fumbles and one interception returned for a touchdown in his two NFL seasons), Clay Matthews impacts a game in ways few defensive players can. He is the NFL’s Tasmanian Devil, a player who is in constant motion, attacking from here, there and everywhere.
Even while fighting through a shin injury this season, he was the most feared defender in the league.
Polamalu finished second in The Sporting News voting, which was voted on by NFL players, coaches and executives.
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01/12/2011 - 2:03 pm
I wonder if Belichick regrets trading away the Matthews pick for what became DB Darius Butler, DB Derek Cox, and WR Brandon Tate. Darius Butler is a good player, but not nearly as good as Matthews.
01/12/2011 - 2:26 pm
This is a pretty sweet award that may affect the AP voting depending on when it was done. I would like to say the Philly game should put Matthews over the top, but if the first round of the playoffs was taken into account, then Woodson might not have won it last year.
Brandon Tate might turn into a pretty good WR, but could you imagine if Matthews was on the Pats right now? Woah.
01/12/2011 - 4:02 pm
Finally he got recognized more! Only if aaron rodgers would be recognized in the pro bowl! :)
01/14/2011 - 4:39 am
WOOT WOOT! Clay deserves it.
If the probowl was decided by players and coaches, Rodgers would be in.
Some fun for all–listen to NFL.com’s sound fx-leading the pack. Matthews is wired, and giving Vick some hilarious trash talk.
01/15/2011 - 7:06 am
favorite player of all time, go fsu clay