If Hightower snags that pick and (maybe) houses it or gets us close, 2 sacks + game-changing pick get you in position for the voters to recognize the defensive player. As far as I can remember, Ray Lewis was the only defensive player to get the award as the captain of an elite defensive performance without eye-popping individual numbers (only 5 tackles, no sacks, no turnovers against NYG, though he did have several PDs). Malcolm Smith, Miller, and Dexter Jackson all created multiple turnovers to get the MVP. Hightower needed that signature turnover, or Gilmore needed a 2nd INT.Hard to just pick one guy though.
I have it as Edelman. In a field position game, he dominated. It’s one thing to be great in the slot where you have an over the top option or a great outside the numbers threat. The Patriots had neither. He was the only game in town other than Gronk for large portions of the game and was beating multiple guys over the middle where every route is a huge hit or interception waiting to happen.
The defense as a unit was the story of the game. But Edelman was the most valuable single player.
Even if viewed in part as a lifetime achievement award it is well deserved.
Edelman deserved it 100%.