Defensive touchdowns leader; First-Team All-Pro
Although Eric Berry’s 2015 season is the inspiring one and was still elite, he had a couple of others when he looked more like the elite weapon he was in John Chavis’ system with Tennessee football. This was one of those season. And it came the year after Berry was able to earn Comeback Player of the Year honors.
Entering 2016, Berry was back into football rhythm. He had a bit of a snag looking for a long-term deal ahead of the year, but he was franchised for just over $10 million. However, that was not going to stop him from playing his heart out for the Kansas City Chiefs, and he helped them continue their success.
Berry tied a career best this year with four interceptions, and he returned them for 98 yards in total, two of them going for touchdowns to lead the league in defensive scores. In addition to those interceptions, Berry forced a fumble and defended nine passes. He also had 77 total tackles, 62 of which were solo, and two tackles for a loss.
Add in Berry’s seven quarterback hits, and the guy was all over the field at safety. He anchored a defense that carried Andy Reid and co. to a 12-4 record and another appearance in the playoffs. And his play earned him the long-term deal he was looking for in the offseason.