Beyond his statistics (23-1/2 sacks, 11 passes defended, three forced fumbles and one interception returned for a touchdown in his two NFL seasons), Clay Matthews impacts a game in ways few defensive players can. He is the NFLâ€™s Tasmanian Devil, a player who is in constant motion, attacking from here, there and everywhere.

Even while fighting through a shin injury this season, he was the most feared defender in the league. Sporting News went to five other elite pass rushers to see what they admire most about Matthewsâ€™ game:

John Abraham, DE, Falcons: â€œHe still plays with a chip on his shoulder, even though heâ€™s made it to the Pro Bowl. â€¦ When he isnâ€™t getting sacks, heâ€™s doing things to cause fumbles. Heâ€™s doing a lot, especially for a linebacker.â€

Dwight Freeney, DE, Colts: â€œClay is a high-motor guy. Itâ€™s a little bit different because heâ€™s a linebacker. As a linebacker, they move you around a little bit more and he gets some matchups with tight ends and backs a little more than you would as a defensive end. He does a tremendous job of taking advantage of the opportunities given to him. â€¦ Basically, he gets those one-on-one matchups, and when you get them you have to win them. Heâ€™s definitely one of those â€˜dominateâ€™ guys.â€

Chris Long, DE, Rams: â€œI like the fact that heâ€™s very versatile. He plays the run, rushes the passer and can drop into coverage. He really is all over the field. As a pass rusher, he uses his hands well, but I think he uses his angles well. He rushes with good angles and uses peopleâ€™s momentum, knocking peopleâ€™s hands down at the right time. I hate to use the cliche of heâ€™s a hustle guy because heâ€™s very athletic. But he hustles, too. When you turn on the tape, heâ€™s always around the ball.â€

Brian Orakpo, OLB, Redskins: â€œI admire his relentlessness. He has a great motor, to where if he gets beat heâ€™s steady going. I respect him coming from USC and really not playing a lot (early) and then bursting on the scene. He does a great job for that 3-4 package. Heâ€™s very quick on the edge. Heâ€™s elusive and has some great moves. You canâ€™t do anything but respect him.â€

Shaun Phillips, OLB, Chargers: â€œHis effort. He just goes and goesâ€”heâ€™s relentless.â€

Matthews' Numbers

Sacks: 13-1/2

Passes defended: 4

Tackles: 60

Interceptions: 1

Forced fumbles: 2

The top five in voting

1. Clay Matthews, OLB, Packers 188

2. Troy Polamalu, S, Steelers 148

3. Cameron Wake, OLB, Dolphins 64

4. James Harrison, OLB, Steelers 45

5. Julius Peppers, DE, Bears 44

(Note: 609 NFL players, coaches and executives voted for this award.)