So, for comparison:

Leonard, 12 games played:
135 tackles (11.25 per game), 7.0 sacks, 8 QB Hits, 5 PD, 1 INT, 4 FF and 2 FR

Vander Esch, 13 games played:
109 tackles, (08.38 per game) 0.0 sacks, 1 QB Hits, 7 PD, 2 INT, 0 FF and 0 FR


Why is this even a discussion?

I don't care if he wins it but I am so, so, so pleased by his production. He will be a beast for years to come.

Walk Worthy,

Colts defense are going to be really tested with 2 of the best running backs in the next 2 weeks with Zeke Elliott and then Saquon Barkley. If we do well against both of them, then that will enhance his already growing reputation no end.

No, he won't win dpoy. That will go to Aaron Donald and deservedly so. Leonard should be in the conversation though.

16.5 sacks is pretty phenomenal. I think Leonard will win DROY, but perhaps not DPOY. A good bit of both depends on the next three games as well.

My guess is that he misses on both. Vander Esch because the NFL slobbers on the cowboy's knob. Donald because the Rams are a hell of a lot better than we are.

I don’t see much hyping Vander Esch as a favorite for DROY. Certainly he’s in the running, but I don’t think even the Dallas hype machine can make up the necessary ground. It will either be Leonard or Derwin James. Obviously I’m partial to Leonard, but I couldn’t complain to much if it was James. Guys a stud. Could be a big week in the race with both playing important high profile games - Leonard against Dallas and James against KC. If James has an impressive game against KC on Thursday night that would tip the scales in his favor IMO.

Knowing we have at least one true difference maker on D is huge to me. Only nitpick I have is that I’ve now seen Leonard miss a few tackles going for the strip. Anyone else notice that? Or am I just wrong? I love that they are attacking the ball and I commented on the apparent emphasis on that very early in the season. But you have to secure the tackle.

You strip the ball and get it for your team your chances go way up to win. You miss that tackle and your chances to lose don't go way up. This is a team that was not known for causing turnovers. That has changed dramatically and I love it. I'm cool with an occasional missed tackle if it is because you are trying to cause a turnover. I just love the attitude of the entire team

8th best in takeaways... that's fantastic. 11th best overall defense.

Omaha said before the season that this defense "wasn't any good" and there was no one that could really dispute that.

To be in the top 3rd in yard allowed and the top 10 in takeaways is just fscking stunning.

Yeah I'm with you. I haven't seen realistic LVE hype. Realistically, it's Leonard vs Derwin James v Chubb. I think all three have a case.

Just not on 3rd down please!

I meant to say droy