Bob Sanders' impact on the vastly improved Indianapolis defense, not to mention his impact on opposing ball carriers, earned the Colts' safety The Associated Press 2007 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award Monday. Sanders makes highlight films with his smash-mouth style and knack for always being near the ball. His value as a leader -- the Peyton Manning of the Colts' defense, if you will -- was just as much a factor in Indianapolis having the third-ranked unit in the NFL and allowing just 262 points, a league low. Yes, these Colts can play dominating defense, and Sanders is the main reason. "One of the things we talked about when he first got here was how critical this position is in this defense," said Coach Tony Dungy, who has nicknamed Sanders "The Eraser."