Truth be told, the contest for Defensive Player of the Year is a lot more exciting than its offensive counterpart. Week after week we are seeing a number of ridiculously good performances from every position, so much so that when it came time to draw a shortlist there were no fewer than 25 players who entered into the discussion, each with their own merits.

First and foremost, apologies have to go out to Ray Lewis, Haloti Ngata and Quintin Mikell, who dropped out of the top ten without playing a snap, but that’s the nature of this competition. Standing still is moving backwards.

As it is, it would have been hard to depose our incumbent when he didn’t play, but he’s got a real fight on his hands if Week 8 is anything to go by, with a certain Chiefs player threatening to take over.

1. Trent Cole (Philadelphia Eagles, +27.4)

Just about holding on to the top spot. Even after his bye remains without doubt the most balanced of all defensive ends in the league, and rarely leaves the field. Last week: 1st

2. Tamba Hali (Kansas City Chiefs, +30.2)

Really making a case to be No. 1. Just destroying offensive tackles time and time again, and the most productive pass-rusher in the league right now. Already has an astonishing 53 total quarterback pressures on the year. More than most defensive ends will manage all season. Last week: 2nd

3. Jason Jones (Tennessee Titans, +23.0)

Jumps into the top three despite the Titans’ defeat. Top-ranked defensive tackle has always done a good job pressuring the quarterback but has suddenly turned into a real stud in run defense. Just too much for most guards. Last week: 5th

4. Brandon Flowers (Kansas City Chiefs, +16.3)

Drops more as a result of the brilliance of Jones than anything he did. Still No. 1 by some distance in cornerback rankings. Metrics really tell the story with this guy, who’s allowed 41.2 percent of throws, given up no touchdowns and broken up seven passes (second in the league). He’s not 2009 Revis yet, but he’s better than Charles Woodson was last year. Last week: 4th

5. Bart Scott (New York Jets, +20.1)

Thirty-eight inside linebackers have more tackles than Bart Scott. So what? Just watch Scott play and watch what he does for that Jets’ defense. He’s immense and probably playing better than ever. Last week: 9th

6. Kyle Williams (Buffalo Bills, +18.6)

Our highest-rated defensive tackle against the run hasn’t let the Bills changing schemes (again and again) affect him. Complete terror who brings pass rush as well while leading all tackles in defensive stops (23). Last week: Not ranked

7. Lawrence Timmons (Pittsburgh Steelers, +18.2)

Recently declared the best Pittsburgh linebacker by his coaches, Timmons does a good job as a blitzer (11 total pressures puts him second at his position) but is exceptional when teams run at the Steelers. Can shed blocks and is making tackles count (second most defensive stops). Last week: Not ranked

8. Chris Clemons (Seattle Seahawks, +27.9)

His ranking is heavily influenced by the best performance we’ve ever seen from a DE against the Chargers, but Clemons has nonetheless performed well other than that. His 44 total pressures lead all defensive ends. The most surprising thing, though, is how good he has been in run defense. Last week: Not ranked

9. Clay Matthews (Green Bay Packers, +22.9)

Not a great day for Matthews, who was manhandled in the run game. Has settled down after an explosive start and is going to have to do more to continue being in the top ten given the talent emerging. Last week: 4th

10. Justin Smith (San Francisco 49ers, +18.7)

Has really started to find his feet after a slow start to the years. Leads all 3-4 ends in total quarterback pressures (23) and defensive stops (25). No down year whatsoever. Last week: Not ranked

Dropped out: Ray Lewis (Ravens), Demarcus Ware (Cowboys), Haloti Ngata (Ravens) and Quintin Mikell (Eagles)

In the mix: Patrick Willis (49ers), James Anderson (Panthers), Julius Peppers (Bears), James Harrison (Steelers) and Champ Bailey (Broncos)

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