Packers CB Charles Woodson wins AP's Defensive Player of the Year.
He doubled the number of votes for New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis in becoming the first Green Bay winner since Reggie White in 1998 and just the second Packer in the 36-year history of the award.
Woodson, the 1997 Heisman Trophy recipient, is the first cornerback chosen top defensive player since Deion Sanders in 1994.
He got the honor in great part because of the way he anchored a defense in transition. Woodson was used in a variety of ways by new defensive coordinator Dom Capers as Green Bay made the switch to a 3-4. At times, the unit was shaky— except for Woodson, who played the role of cover cornerback, blitzer, run-stuffer and ballhawk.
In his third season, Revis established himself as the league’s premier cornerback, taking away such prime threats as Steve Smith, Randy Moss, Andre Johnson, Terrell Owens, Chad Ochocinco and Marques Colston. He had six picks, returning one for a TD.
I think this is a travesty, and obviously the voters simply looked at the numbers without actually analyzing game film. Woodson was badly burned in his team's playoff game, while Revis had an interception and helped his team move on to the next round.
Personally, I think part of it is also Woodson being older and voters figuring Darrelle has more chances in the future.
Revis is the epitome of a shutdown corner. With another playoff game coming up and the nation's undivided attention, do you think this will give him added motivation to show the league why he is the best?