Not only does Bob Sanders deserve the DPOY for this season, he's deserving by calendar year as well. It was his play and return to the Colts defense that put one of the league's worst run defenses last year in the regular season over the top. In the playoffs and during the Colts SB run, Sanders was MONEY. It was unbelievable how much impact one man had on that defense. They were a sieve during the season, but not when he was on the field. Then, during the offseason, they lost more players and most of us NFL fans thought they'd struggle again this year. Not at all. They came out swinging on opening day of the season and never relented.
Multiple disclaimers before the meat of this post.1. I like Bob Sanders. I think his elevated play this season warrants the DPOY award. I posted as much above.
2. I get the intangibles argument. I'm not solely a stathead.
3. I agree that something happened to the Colt run defense in the 2006 playoffs. It could well have been a healthy Sanders.
4. This isn't directed at Master Henry.
BUT...
There's no significant statistical argument that Bob Sanders' return had anything to do with the improvement in 2006 run defense in the playoffs. None.
Acknowledging sample size issues, the inherent team nature of 11 man defensive football, among other variables, consider the following stats from the regular season.
Average Yards Per Carry Allowed 2006 Regular Season
With Sanders >>> 5.53
Without Sanders >>> 5.25
With Rob Morris at SLB >>> 4.90
Without Rob Morris at SLB >>> 5.41
Average Rush Yards Allowed Per Game 2006 Regular Season
With Sanders >>> 165.25
Without Sanders >>> 175.25
With Morris >>> 158.00
Without Morris >>> 176.15
Difference in Yards Gained Over/Under Each Opponent's League Average 2006 Regular Season
((i.e. Indianapolis allowed 200 yards vs Jacksonville who averaged 150 yards for the year = +50))
With Sanders >>> 39.83
Without Sanders >>> 50.97
With Morris >>> 54.07
Without Morris >>> 46.82
There's an argument to be made that replacing Gilbert Gardner with Rob Morris late in the season was the catalyzing factor. The stats support that claim equally as well. I'd also argue that, while it's been my observation that Sanders played better this season that at any point during his career, the improved 2007 Colt defense has just as much to do with benching Robert Mathis (and sometimes Dwight Freeney) when the offense is not in a clear passing situation, the much improved OLB play on both ends and the more physical play of the two new corners. The DT play has been just as good and probably better despite losing MacFarland before the season started.
Again, I'm not saying that Sanders is a bum and not deserving of 2007 accolades. I believe he is. But I don't think he deserved all the praise he got before the season.
DittoAllen gets it in the end though.14 games and look at his numbers!!!
Another vote for Bob Sanders.
