NFL Awards Watch, Week 13

Kris Jenkins (77) has been a force in the middle of the Jets defense, which ranks third in the NFL in rushing yards allowed. David Bergman/SI Bucky Brooks's Mailbag Have questions or feedback? E-mail Bucky Brooks. Name: Email: Hometown: Question: SEND

If the adage is true that defense wins championships, then the New York Jets' run at the title will be led by Kris Jenkins. The three-time Pro Bowl behemoth has been an immovable force in the middle, spearheading a vastly improved Jets' defense that has the team sitting atop the AFC East.

"He dominated our guys," said an NFC personnel executive. "He is big, strong and athletic. He fights through double and triple teams, and takes up space so that their linebackers can run and hit."

Jenkins, who was acquired from the Carolina Panthers in a trade during the offseason, has smoothly made the transition from playing as a "three-technique" in the Panthers 4-3 to occupying the nose tackle spot in the Jets' 3-4. The differences on the surface don't appear to be major, but moving a player who has spent his entire career as a penetrator to a "two-gap" is typically a difficult one.

The 6-foot-4, 339 pound defender's role with the Panthers was simply to shoot through his assigned gap on the way to the ballcarrier or quarterback. The Jets' 3-4 requires him to "two gap," which means he's required to fill the gaps on both sides of the center.

His ability to create penetration has forced opponents to double and triple team inside, allowing the Jets' linebackers to run freely to ballcarriers in the running game. Consequently, the Jets' run defense ranks third in yards allowed per game (78.0) and has yet to allow a 100-yard rusher this season. That's a dramatic improvement over the 134.8 yards allowed per game in 2007, and the nine 100-yard rushers who destroyed the Jets.

However, Jenkins' impact stretches beyond that. His presence also has enabled the team to field one of the league's top pass rushes. With Jenkins destroying the middle of protection schemes, the Jets have freed up Calvin Pace, Shaun Ellis and Bryan Thomas off the edges. The combination has been spectacular as the team has racked up 35 sacks in 11 games, third-best in the league.

"[Jenkins] has definitely taken their defense to another level," said an AFC scout.

The Jets became relevant when they added Brett Favre to the lineup prior to the season. But the outstanding play of Jenkins has made them a title contender and made him one of the leading candidates for Defensive Player of the Year.

Defensive Player of the Year

1. Albert Haynesworth, DT, Titans (last week's ranking, 1): The most dominating force on the defensive side of the ball continues to give opponents trouble in the middle. Haynesworth has tallied 8.5 sacks and anchored a defense that is only allowing 15 points a game.

2. James Harrison, LB, Steelers (2): The Steelers' top rusher continues to terrorize opponents off the edge. He's made 12 sacks and four forced fumbles for the league's top-ranked defense.

3. Joey Porter, LB, Dolphins (3): The three-time Pro Bowl linebacker is making a resounding case for recognition as the top defensive player. As the league leader in sacks (14.5), Porter has registered at least a partial sack in nine consecutive games.

4. Kris Jenkins, DT, Jets (NR)

5. Troy Polamalu, S, Steelers (NR): Polamalu has quietly enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career. He is tied for league lead with five interceptions, and his knack for delivering bone-jarring shots to opponents has keyed the Steelers' punishing defense.

MVP

1. Kurt Warner, QB, Cardinals (last week's ranking, 1): The two-time league MVP has thrown for over 300 yards in five consecutive games and completed a touchdown pass in 19 straight contests. Although his team suffered a loss at the hands of the defending world champs, the Cards are in position to secure their first division title in 33 years primarily due to the spectacular play of Warner this season.

2. Clinton Portis, RB, Redskins (2): The NFL's leading rusher has run for over 120 yards in six games this season and with 1,206 total yards is on pace to surpass his career high of 1,591 with Denver in 2003.

3. Peyton Manning, QB, Colts (5): The eight-time Pro Bowl QB has found his stride while positioning the Colts for another postseason run. Manning has connected on over 65 percent of his passes and tossed nine touchdowns with only one interception during the Colts' four-game winning streak.

4. Drew Brees, QB, Saints (NR): He set off fireworks with his 323-yard, four-touchdown performance against the Packers. Brees is completing over 67 percent of his passes and has an astonishing eight 300-yard passing game this season. Though his team is hovering around the .500 mark, Brees' ridiculous numbers makes him a rare MVP candidate from a mediocre team.

5. Eli Manning, QB, Giants (NR): The Super Bowl MVP is quietly making a case for the league's top honor. Not only has he led his team to one of the league's best record (10-1), but also he's enjoying career highs in completion percentage (62.0), passer rating (91.6) and yards per attempt (6.8).