We talked yesterday about Chris Jones possibly being in the defensive rookie of the year conversation if it weren’t for Joey Bosa. I’m not saying he will win it because we have a long way to go but KC Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters should be in the conversation for defensive player of the year. He already won the NFL’s rookie of the year honors last year and is following it up with another strong season this year.
The case for Peters includes his five interceptions. That leads the NFL. It also includes Peters three fumble recoveries. The Jacksonville game saw a key one in the end zone and then of course the game winning forced fumble and recovery against the Panthers. His 20 passes defensed also lead the league.
Peters’ impact was felt in a few games this year when opposing quarterbacks were clearly avoiding him. Peters will still give up big plays as he did last week against the Panthers and the week before against the Jaguars. But in both of those games he was also involved in huge plays that helped change the game.
Von Miller has the name recognition as the reigning Super Bowl MVP. While he trails Dee Ford in sacks (yes I really typed that), Miller is probably the leader in the clubhouse for this award at the halfway point. A big second half from Peters could change that.
While we’re here ... how about Dee Ford? I wouldn’t dismiss the NFL’s sack leader as someone who should be in the conversation either.