Baltimore LB Suggs honored as top defensive player

Indianapolis, IN – Baltimore outside linebacker Terrell Suggs was named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year Saturday, as voted by the Associated Press.

Suggs had 14 sacks among his 70 tackles to help lead the Ravens to a 12-4 record and the AFC North title. He picked up 21 votes, while Minnesota defensive end Jared Allen, who led the league with 22 sacks, got 14 votes.

This is the fourth time since 2000 that a Ravens player has been honored as the league's top defensive player. Linebacker Ray Lewis won the award in 2000 and 2003, and safety Ed Reed garnered the honor the following year.

For the 2011 season, Suggs also had a pair of interceptions and seven forced fumbles.