As the saying goes, defense wins championships, so lets take a look at the numbers thus far and see what kind of impact we are seeing on defense from teams around the leagues.
In this segment I will look at the top 6 teams in the catagory that I am discussing, if there are teams at a tie I will go by the DL ranking of the team and if there are more than 6 teams because of a tie I will include all teams in a tie.
As I do this segment I will hopefully grow it with input from league members how to better take a look further into the numbers, so dont be afraid to give me some feedback on how to improve!
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Sacks
1. Oakland Raiders. (80)
The Raiders have been very impressive with their pass rush to this point in the season posting 80 sacks in 13 games for an average of 6.2 sacks per game. Leading the Raiders in the pass rush is the speedy Shaquem Griffin with 24 sacks(3rd in the league). Behind Griffin; Sweat, Davenport, and Ferrel have all posted double digit sacks this season with 16, 12, and 10 respectively.
2. Seattle Seahawks. (78)
Right behind the Raiders are the Seahakws with 78 sacks so far this season with 12 games played for an average of 6.5 sacks per game, we may very well see them pass the Raiders this week for the most sacks so far this season. Leading the Seahawks is Geno Atkins with 21 sacks(5th), JJ Watt with 18 sacks(9th), and Stamer with 15.
3. New York Giants. (65)
In the 3rd spot we see a little drop off in the sack numbers with the Giants having 65 through 13 games for an average of 5 sacks per game. Leading not just the Giants but the league in sacks is Khalil mack with 30 sacks(1st). Behind Mack is George Chavez with 11 and then a host of Giants split the remainder.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars. (64)
Just behind the Giants for the time being is the Jaguars with 64 sacks through 12 games for an average of 5.3 sacks per game. Leading the Jaguars is Melvin Ingram with 11 sacks, behind Ingram is Carlos Dunlap and Jerry Tillery with 10 sacks.
5. Indianapolis Colts. (60)
In the 5th spot are the Colts with 60 sacks through 12 for an average of 5 sacks per game. Leading the sacks for the Colts are Micheal Tucker and Jarran Reed with 10 sacks. Behind them are a couple players with 6 and 5 sacks. Without any real big names it seems the Colts have figured out a system to get their front into the backfield.
6. New Orleans Saints. (59)
Last but definitley not last are the Saints with 59 sacks through 12 games for an average of 4.9 sacks per game. Leading the Saints pass rush is Da'Shawn Hand with 12 sacks, behind Hand is Josh Roberts with 9 and Christian Wilkans with 8. Maybe now that Roberts seems to finally be settled in somewhere we may see his numbers increase through the last few games this season.
I do not think that it is a coincidence that every team here is in the thick of the playoff race. Getting in the backfield and even putting pressure on the quarterback can give your defense an advatandge. With these 6 teams constantly getting in the backfield and putting the Quarterback on his back is sure to put the opposing offense in bad field position. Will be interesting to see if this trend continues as this segment does.
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While we have some great team perfomances out there we also have some individual performances that I dont want to fail to mention. I wont be readdressing those players already mentioned, just those that werent.
Von Miller(24) ATL(8th)
As expected Miller has been a monster at getting into the backfield and getting to the quarterback. 24 sacks ranks 2nd in the league coming in 6 sacks behind New Yorks Khalil mack.
Joey Bosa(23) LAC(11th)
Joey Bosa has done exactly what you would expect from him as well getting 23 sacks in the league which is good enough for the 4th spot in the league. He has a whole 11 sacks more than his brother Nick Bosa with just 12 sacks this season.
Demarcus Lawrence(20) KC(11th)
Like every other name mentioned in this article, these are all big guys that are known for being a menance when it comes to getting to the quarterback. Lawrence brings the heat every snap of every game.
Cameron Jordan(19) DET(19th)
The shining star of the Lions defensive front has been without a doubt Cameron Jordan. The Lions rank in the botton half of the league in getting sacks but Jordan has made it to where you cant take a play off and not worry about the pass rush coming when he is on the field.
Aaron Donald(18) MIN(14th)
In almost any season 18 ranks in the top 5 at this point of the season but we have seen some amazing numbers put up by some great talent this season. Nonetheless Donald is exactly who he should be and will be a force for many games to come.