Who Are the Defensive Players to Win Super Bowl MVP?
The Patriots and Rams ranked as two of the NFL's top four scoring offenses in 2018, but don't discount the two team's defensive prowess, either. New England was the league's No. 7 scoring defense this season. Los Angeles finished No. 20 in scoring defense, but the Rams' defense is led by Aaron Donald, a five-time Pro Bowler and 2017 Defensive Player of the Year.
Donald, in particular, could be a Super Bowl MVP candidate. He led the NFL in sacks and tackles for loss in 2018, wrecking opposing offenses up the middle.
So who would Donald join as defensive Super Bowl MVPs if he earns the honor in Atlanta? Below is the list of defenders to previously win the award.
Super Bowl 50: Von Miller, Broncos LB
Super Bowl XLVIII: Malcolm Smith, Seahawks LB
Super Bowl XXXVII: Dexter Jackson, Buccaneers S
Super Bowl XXXV: Ray Lewis, Ravens LB
Super Bowl XXX: Larry Brown, Cowboys CB
Super Bowl XX: Richard Dent, Bears DE
Super Bowl XII: Harvey Martin, Cowboys DE & Randy White, Cowboys DT
Super Bowl VII: Jake Scott, Dolphins S
Super Bowl V: Chuck Howley, Cowboys LB