Former Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen came within a sack of setting a new NFL record for most in a single season. Apparently that still wasn't enough to name him the 2012 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Instead, that honor goes to Baltimore's Terrell Suggs who had a stellar year himself. Still it's hard to believe the current Vikings star didn't warrant enough attention to grab the award.
"On a team featuring longtime stars Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, Suggs stood out most for a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league," said the Sports Illustrated round-up. "He earned 21 votes, seven more than Minnesota end Jared Allen. Suggs had 70 tackles, including 14 sacks, and was a force all over the field from his hybrid linebacker-end position. He also forced seven fumbles and had two interceptions as the Ravens went 12-4 to win the AFC North. Baltimore allowed 266 points, third fewest in the NFL."