Vontaze Burfict getting some MVP love

[Cincyfan78]

In addition to tackling, his defense in the passing game is also worthy of note:

Stock Up: Vontaze Burfict (+12.8, Q3 2013; +5.2, Q2 2013)
Building on a good month with a great month Burfict made his appearance in our team of the month alongside K.J. Wright at linebacker with those playing well in coverage coming to the fore. On 16 targets in three games this month Burfict only surrendered 57 yards, 3.6 yards per attempt for opposing quarterbacks targeting his coverage this month.

 

[Cincyfan78]

I'd also argue that Burfict's tackle stats are padded because of the absolute horrendous play by the other LB'ers.

Also, in the games where Vinny Rey did play well amassing double digit tackles in the Baltimore and Cleveland games, Burfict also still had double digit tackling days...

That kind of blows that theory out of the water...even when other LB's are making plays, Burficts stats didn't diminish.

 

[CrashDavisSports]

Also, in the games where Vinny Rey did play well amassing double digit tackles in the Baltimore and Cleveland games, Burfict also still had double digit tackling days...

That kind of blows that theory out of the water...even when other LB's are making plays, Burficts stats didn't diminish.

All those stats and your opinion I think are spot on. Really nothing else to discuss, Kramer like Gilberry, he will not change his mind, but you are accurate and pretty much owned him there. Nice job.

 

[Cincyfan78]

Not trying to "own" him or anything. It's a good debate.

I can see his point, with Atkins going down, and WG stepping up his play and doing well. It has merrit.

I just think VB is the leader of this defense, his stats are tops in the league, and though Atkins went down, more of the weight has fallen on Thompson and Peko to at least maintain a solid line against the run, and provide pressure as well.

WG was a heck of a find for this team, and there's no doubt that if he goes down the rotation would suffer, but the level of play from VB is just at another level, IMO.

It's a good discussion.

 

[CrashDavisSports]

Not trying to "own" him or anything. It's a good debate.

I can see his point, with Atkins going down, and WG stepping up his play and doing well. It has merrit.

I just think VB is the leader of this defense, his stats are tops in the league, and though Atkins went down, more of the weight has fallen on Thompson and Peko to at least maintain a solid line against the run, and provide pressure as well.

WG was a heck of a find for this team, and there's no doubt that if he goes down the rotation would suffer, but the level of play from VB is just at another level, IMO.

It's a good discussion.

It doesn't really have merit, because Atkins was replaced by Brandon Thompson. Maybe the better argument would be for Thompson being the MVP of the defense, because he has not really fallen off as much as you would think with losing an all-pro and maybe the best DT in football.

Gilberry is a utility player that plays outside and inside. He is a situational player when the matchups dictate him being in there.

I love Gilberry, but if you are goign to make an arguement for defensive MVP, it really only comes down to Michael Johnson, Vontaze Burfict or Reggie Nelson.