Lets talk about the trio of linebackers for the Portland Pythons, because at least one of them deserves some hardware and its still too close to call who is in the lead at this point. All three of them have been stalwart and dependable members of the defense, and without their contributions the Pythons' defense would be in deep, deep trouble. Let's take a look at all three here and see if we can't decide the order.
Myles Smith, S24: 53 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 1 interception, 5 pass defends
The leading linebacker when it comes to the pass game, Smith also leads the team in sacks and is near the top in pass defends. His coverage skills have been crucial in stopping the pass attack of a number of teams, and he's even contributed an interception to the cause. However, because he's a S24 player, the list of awards he's eligible for is lower when compared to the other two primary linebackers for the Pythons, who are rookies. Those three forced fumbles lead the league, but Myles will need to be able to further distance himself from players like Chainbreaker if he is going to win some hardware for himself, but a few more interceptions and some sacks to his his name should help.
Matty Martinsson, S25: 52 tackles, 1 pass defend.
Our first rookie on the list, Martinsson had a slow start to his first season in the league. However, he's come on strong in recent weeks, leading the team in tackles in several games. He is only one tackle behind Myles, though does need to work on his contributions in other areas of the field. Martinsson is skilled, but unfortunately he's matched up with a pair of linebackers that might be hogging the spotlight and some of the big plays that he'd like to make. If he can find himself some sacks or more action in the coverage game, and keeps on his recent tackle pace, he could factor into the Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Donald McBobby, S25: 42 tackles, 1 TFL, 4 sacks, 1 interception, 2 pass defends
What a beast. Donald McBobby started the season like he was shot out of a cannon, with impact plays happening all over the field. Since then, McBobby has seen his tackle numbers slip a bit, which may be due to the ascendance of Smith and Martinsson on the field. McBobby is still able to find himself on the stat sheet however, contributing sacks and some help in the coverage game as well. When the season started, McBobby was a basically a lock for at least Defensive Rookie of the Year and potentially the big boy Defensive Player of the Year, but he's going to have to keep this torrid pace and start making more noise in the tackle and sack department. if he can get back on track to his earlier form, the rest of the league is going to have to watch out.
All in all, Myles Smith is probably having the best season right now out of these three, but its very very close and you can probably convince me easily to give the nod to McBobby's contributions outside of the tackle department, and Martinsson's strong play in recent weeks. We'll need the rest of the season to see where these talented linebackers finally land, but they are all off to great starts and may have some hardware coming their way in the future.
Myles Smith, S24: 53 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 1 interception, 5 pass defends
The leading linebacker when it comes to the pass game, Smith also leads the team in sacks and is near the top in pass defends. His coverage skills have been crucial in stopping the pass attack of a number of teams, and he's even contributed an interception to the cause. However, because he's a S24 player, the list of awards he's eligible for is lower when compared to the other two primary linebackers for the Pythons, who are rookies. Those three forced fumbles lead the league, but Myles will need to be able to further distance himself from players like Chainbreaker if he is going to win some hardware for himself, but a few more interceptions and some sacks to his his name should help.
Matty Martinsson, S25: 52 tackles, 1 pass defend.
Our first rookie on the list, Martinsson had a slow start to his first season in the league. However, he's come on strong in recent weeks, leading the team in tackles in several games. He is only one tackle behind Myles, though does need to work on his contributions in other areas of the field. Martinsson is skilled, but unfortunately he's matched up with a pair of linebackers that might be hogging the spotlight and some of the big plays that he'd like to make. If he can find himself some sacks or more action in the coverage game, and keeps on his recent tackle pace, he could factor into the Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Donald McBobby, S25: 42 tackles, 1 TFL, 4 sacks, 1 interception, 2 pass defends
What a beast. Donald McBobby started the season like he was shot out of a cannon, with impact plays happening all over the field. Since then, McBobby has seen his tackle numbers slip a bit, which may be due to the ascendance of Smith and Martinsson on the field. McBobby is still able to find himself on the stat sheet however, contributing sacks and some help in the coverage game as well. When the season started, McBobby was a basically a lock for at least Defensive Rookie of the Year and potentially the big boy Defensive Player of the Year, but he's going to have to keep this torrid pace and start making more noise in the tackle and sack department. if he can get back on track to his earlier form, the rest of the league is going to have to watch out.
All in all, Myles Smith is probably having the best season right now out of these three, but its very very close and you can probably convince me easily to give the nod to McBobby's contributions outside of the tackle department, and Martinsson's strong play in recent weeks. We'll need the rest of the season to see where these talented linebackers finally land, but they are all off to great starts and may have some hardware coming their way in the future.
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