The NEXT: Defensive Debate To Have

Who is the best individual player on the defensive side of the ball in the NFL right now?

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The guy is a beast. But is he THE beast?

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We've talked about this before in an awards context, but watching Ed Reed provide Chad Pennington with a solid five months of nightmares yesterday refreshed the debate: Who is the best individual defensive player in the NFL? Some arguments: (1) If it's been Ray Lewis for years, and he broke Rashard Mendenhall's shoulder with a hit this year, has anyone truly taken it from him? ; (2) Can you single-block Albert Haynesworth? ; (3) If you're a NFL QB, is there a team you're more scared to face than the Steelers, with James Harrison, Troy Polamalu and company? (Harrison just won Defensive Player of the Year); (4) Do you think CBs have a tougher job, thus you favor a Champ Bailey or someone? ; (5) what of DeMarcus Ware, most of the Vikings D-Line, and the guy who started this discussion, Mr. Reed? OK, we'll shut up. Who YOU got?

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