Lions Players Vote Cliff Avril Defensive MVP

by Sean Yuille on Jan 22, 2012 7:27 PM EST in Detroit Lions News

Detroit Lions defensive end Cliff Avril had a career year in 2011, recording 36 tackles, 11 sacks, four pass defenses, one interception, one touchdown and a six forced fumbles. He played a big role in the Lions creating turnovers and getting to opposing quarterbacks, and for his great season, his teammates have voted him the Lem Barney Defensive MVP.

Here's what Lions defensive line coach Kris Kocurek had to say about Avril:

"He’s a young player just coming into his prime," said Lions defensive line coach Kris Kocurek. "Each year he’s gotten better and each year he’s having a bigger impact and making bigger plays. It’s not just the sacks and the fumbles, either, it’s also the plays Cliff makes down the field."

Avril, of course, is set to become a free agent in March. Whether he returns to the Lions or hits the open market, Avril is going to get a pretty big deal. As Kocurek said, Avril has improved each year of his career, and he is definitely hitting his prime at just the right moment.

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Agreed Hope we re-sign him

Follow @vr67

by vr67 on Jan 22, 2012 7:50 PM EST reply actions

Seconded.

by Wadeledge on Jan 22, 2012 7:57 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions

by god we better cliff is a beastmaster

First time caller longtime listener should be banned from the radio

by Brad Wesley James Hines on Jan 22, 2012 11:05 PM EST up reply actions

given his play -

is he another Ray Edwards is what the Lions have to ask.

I dont disagree pay the man and let him Suh, Fairley play next to each other for years to come. but at same time i also ask is he a product of the system?

I personally have seen some big change in his game and I love seeing it in these type of “potential type players” where they step their game up, but comes the question if he really benefits from the scheme and players around him.

I honestly think this is the “Trade Aggression” that Mayhew will pursue…. franchise and let a team grab him and restructure from tag while Detroit picks up the draft picks where they feel comfortable w/ reading the draft. does he deserve team MVP for defense .. You bet .. but it shoudnt let it go to his head. then again Rodgers and Redding are both teams that were in the playoffs and now considered integral parts of their schemes as well.

by JaiGaiaAries on Jan 22, 2012 11:21 PM EST reply actions

im just afraid of calvins contract year man....

First time caller longtime listener should be banned from the radio

by Brad Wesley James Hines on Jan 22, 2012 11:58 PM EST reply actions

whatever it takes to keep him for career is worth it

First time caller longtime listener should be banned from the radio

by Brad Wesley James Hines on Jan 22, 2012 11:59 PM EST reply actions

The right choice I think.

Cliff was our biggest defensive playmaker all year, and was a guy that the offence always had to worry about when dropping back to pass.

He is a young guy [our youngest DE] and still has a lot of room for improvement. I hope he continues to grow and improve here in Detroit.

"I’m sorry for all the people who want us to run the ball 40 times a game, but we’re going to put the ball in No. 9’s hands and he’s going to make plays for us like he did today," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. Amen to that Jim!

by NorthLeft12 on Jan 24, 2012 7:12 AM EST reply actions