Jordan Poyer should be in discussion for Defensive Player of the Year
Last year, Buffalo Bills safety Jordan Poyer finally earned his first All-Pro nomination, something he probably should have earned years prior with the way he has played. This season, Poyer has elevated his play even more that he should probably be in the early discussion for Defensive Player of the Year.
While the season is only about a quarter of the way through, there aren’t many players in the NFL that are making as much of an impact on that side of the ball as Poyer. Through four games, Jordan Poyer leads the league in interceptions with four and is second in the league in passes defended with six.
He had two interceptions on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens with the second putting Buffalo in a position to complete the comeback. He also has added 12 total tackles and one tackle for a loss on the season.
Jordan Poyer is the key part of a secondary that currently is allowing the second-fewest passing yards per game at only 150.8 with a group of cornerbacks that included two rookies (Kaiir Elam and Christian Benford), Dane Jackson (2020 seventh round pick), and Taron Johnson (2018 fourth round pick).
What makes it even more impressive is that Jordan Poyer has been able to accomplish this in only three games after missing last week against the Miami Dolphins.
Jordan Poyer will be under more pressure this season without Micah Hyde
It is unlikely that Poyer can continue this rate in terms of interceptions but is going to be in a position this season to finally get the recognition he deserves for his play. The Buffalo Bills brought in Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer in the same year and both have ascended to being one of the top safety duos in the league.
However, with two excellent safeties, it can take away from the recognition they should have. This season could be different though as Hyde is now going to miss the remainder of the season due to a neck injury. This puts Jordan Poyer under more pressure to lead this secondary and could make the spotlight brighter for him.
He certainly has shown he is capable of playing at a high level to this point and if he continues playing like he has to begin the season it will be hard to deny him Defensive Player of the Year.
