Without further ado, we begin with nominees with Most Outstanding Defensive Player of 2013:
Brent Grimes….Grimes made an immediate impact in his first season with the Dolphins, recording four interceptions and 16 passes defended while not allowing a single touchdown pass all year.
Olivier Vernon….Vernon had a breakout year in 2013, leading the team with 11 and a half sacks and constantly causing havoc for opposing offenses with his relentless pursuit of the ball.
Cameron Wake….Wake overcame injury to record eight and a half sacks in 2013, including a memorable game-winning safety against the Bengals on Halloween night.
Writer Selections-
Andy Cohen: No player had a bigger impact on this defense than Brent Grimes. He was the shut down corner the Dolphins desperately needed and his consistency proved invaluable.
Andy Kent: Brent Grimes was the epitome of a lockdown cornerback, not allowing an opposing receiver to catch a touchdown pass all season long.
Alain Poupart: Brent Grimes was outstanding in coverage throughout the season and tied for the team lead with four interceptions.
Raul Striker: Brent Grimes did not allow a touchdown to an opposing receiver all year long, tied for the team lead with 4 interceptions, including an exciting 94 pick-six and was an outstanding tackler on the outside. He was consistent from week to week and forced opposing quarterbacks to focus on only one side of the field, at times, arguably making life easier for the entire defense.
Finsiders Analyst Selections-
On Tuesday evening on The Finsiders live show on FOX Sports Florida TV, 940 WINZ-AM & Dolphins.com, the crew of Troy Stradford, John Congemi, Troy Drayton and Tristin Jones provided their selections on the award.
