TEK2000 Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 Cowboys' Ware tops this list of the NFL's top edge rushers By Bucky Brooks | NFL.com Analyst GO HERE TO SEE VIDEO: http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d81116e61&template=without-video-with-comments&confirm=true There are a variety of ways to build a top defense, but one common denominator exists on fearsome units: the presence of a ferocious pass rush. Whereas most teams would love for that rush to be generated from a balanced defensive front that features multiple pass rushers along the line, the vast majority of teams build around one special rusher who can single-handedly dominate the game off the edge. An elite rusher's ability to create pressure from the backside quickens the clock in the quarterback's head and forces the opposition to revamp its blocking schemes to prevent disruption. However, schematic adjustments are unable to account for the special skills that these pass-rushing phenoms possess, as most continue to thrive despite facing a steady diet of chips and double teams off the edge. Blessed with superior athleticism or exceptional strength and power, these game-changers excel at getting to the quarterback and creating havoc upon their arrival. Whether operating as 3-4 hybrids or 4-3 situational rushers, the elite at this position are the pivotal players on their respective squads, and every defensive coordinator in league covets having one of these playmakers at their disposal. With production and game-changing ability used as critical factors, here is one man's look at the league's top edge rushers: 1. DeMarcus Ware, LB, Cowboys The three-time Pro Bowler has been a terror off the edge in the Cowboys' ultra-aggressive 3-4 scheme. Using an explosive first step and a dazzling array of pass-rush moves, Ware has amassed 53.5 sacks in a four-year span, including a league-best 20 last season. With an ever-improving set of rush skills that have made him seemingly impossible to block, Ware has become the standard by which pass rushers are measured. 2. Jared Allen, DE, Vikings The skillful technician with a non-stop motor has repeatedly outworked opponents off the edge on the way to 30 sacks over the past two seasons. Whereas other rushers might possess more natural ability, Allen's relentlessness has enabled him to tally more sacks (57.5) than other player in the league since 2004. 3. Julius Peppers, DE, Panthers The Panthers' franchise player has been a pass-rushing marvel during his first seven seasons in the league. He has recorded double-digit sack totals five times, and he set a new career high with 14.5 in 2008. Though some view the four-time Pro Bowler as an enigmatic talent who fails to consistently deliver big games, Peppers' 70.5 career sacks are an accurate reflection of his dominance since entering the league in 2002. 4. Mario Williams, DE, Texans After enduring an injury-plagued rookie season, Williams has quickly ascended to the ranks of the elite in just three seasons. As a big, athletic rusher with an expanding repertoire of pass-rush moves, Williams has tallied 22 sacks in his past 23 games and developed into the dominant force that the Texans envisioned when they surprisingly selected him with the first overall draft pick in 2006. 5. Shawne Merriman, LB, Chargers The three-time Pro Bowler must be included on this list based on his outstanding production during his first three seasons. Merriman has amassed 39.5 career sacks, including a league-leading 17 in 2006. As an explosive power rusher with strength, he routinely overwhelms blockers off the edge on the way to pummeling quarterbacks from the backside. Though Merriman missed most of 2008 because of a knee injury, few rushers rival his impact or production when he is on the field. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Blue Joe Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 Good list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrockster21 Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 I'm surprised they left off T-Sizzle. I'd take him over both Mario Williams and Julius Peppers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darklight1216 Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 I'm surprised they left off T-Sizzle. I'd take him over both Mario Williams and Julius Peppers. +1 I agree, but these rankings typically look for one thing, and thing only: sacks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Blue Joe Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 I'm surprised they left off T-Sizzle. I'd take him over both Mario Williams and Julius Peppers.I don't watch a lot Ravens games, and the Giants steamrolled them the last time they played. So I'm curious. Why do you consider Terrell Suggs a top 5 edge rusher? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
airs0ft3r Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 Quick question: does peppers have more sacks total than the Redskins in the past 5 years? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Genghis Khan Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 I don't like Terrell Suggs all that much. Its easy to look good when you have Ray Lewis Bart Scott Ed Reed and Ngata playing on the same field. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OWUeagleMD Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 I don't watch a lot Ravens games, and the Giants steamrolled them the last time they played. So I'm curious. Why do you consider Terrell Suggs a top 5 edge rusher? Living in the area, I see a lot of Ravens games. I won't get into the arbitrary distinction of being top 5, but I consider Suggs a great player because he makes plays at crucial times, is a diverse defensive end who contributes on all three downs, and commands the offense's attention, thereby freeing up other players to make plays. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OWUeagleMD Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 I don't like Terrell Suggs all that much. Its easy to look good when you have Ray Lewis Bart Scott Ed Reed and Ngata playing on the same field. At this point in the aforementioned players' careers, I'd take Terrell Suggs over Bart Scott without question. Ray Lewis is the leader of that team (or whatever elusive term meatheads are using these days) but Suggs is arguably more important than him as well. It's a toss-up between Reef, Ngata, and Suggs in terms of who benefits from whom. They're all great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Jones Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 I'm sort of waiting for the inevitable "Where is average, just a product of the scheme" post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gibbs Hog Heaven Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 Ware ranked #1 huh? Oh dear, this could get messy when TR1 see's this. :doh: Hail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fsunoles0021 Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 Good list. I think Merriman's best days are behind him after this knee surgery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tr1 Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 Ware ranked #1 huh?Oh dear, this could get messy when TR1 see's this. :doh: Hail. I always enjoy puke fans masturbating on ATN. Very becoming. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darklight1216 Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 I don't like Terrell Suggs all that much. Its easy to look good when you have Ray Lewis Bart Scott Ed Reed and Ngata playing on the same field. You got that wrong; it is easy for Bart Scott to look when Terrell Suggs, Ed Reed, Ray Lewis, and Haloti Ngata are on the field. All four of those guys are unquestionably the best players on the Ravens defense (You could make a good arguement for Kelly Gregg too, but unfortunately he was injured last year). At this point in the aforementioned players' careers, I'd take Terrell Suggs over Bart Scott without question. Ray Lewis is the leader of that team (or whatever elusive term meatheads are using these days) but Suggs is arguably more important than him as well. It's a toss-up between Reef, Ngata, and Suggs in terms of who benefits from whom. They're all great. You and the Ravens front office are in agreement: Terrell Suggs> Bart Scott, hence the franchise tag. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eagleskins Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 Jared Allen is far and away the best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Santana_Fan Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 I still would take Ware over any of those listed in the top 5. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ACW Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 Hopefully one of our guys will be on here soon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeSkins Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 Shawne Merriman's a conehead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IbleedBnG83 Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 Solid list. I would have t-sizzles up there too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Santana_Fan Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 Hopefully one of our guys will be on here soon I really hope so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattFancy Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 Can't argue too much there. The only thing I would change would be Merriman, just because he was injured and no one knows if he will be as productive as before. Suggs would be a good choice to add to the list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skinsfan4life1980 Posted July 4, 2009 Share Posted July 4, 2009 Merriman will be just fine dont worry about him. That dude is a beast Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeMarco Murray 29 Posted July 4, 2009 Share Posted July 4, 2009 Tek, you missed a lot of the DeMarcus Ware section when you copied ... 1. DeMarcus Ware, LB, Cowboys The three-time Pro Bowler has been a terror off the edge in the Cowboys' ultra-aggressive 3-4 scheme. Using an explosive first step and a dazzling array of pass-rush moves, Ware has amassed 53.5 sacks in a four-year span, including a league-best 20 last season. With an ever-improving set of rush skills that have made him seemingly impossible to block, Ware has become the standard by which pass rushers are measured. Gets all of his sacks from Wade Phillips defensive scheme. Jay Ratliff eats all of the blocks and allows Ware to roam free and get 20+ sacks a year. If it were not for scheme, Ware would be an average player. With Greg Ellis gone Ware will stink this year and the scheme can no longer help him. Heres to you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cwoolery Posted July 6, 2009 Share Posted July 6, 2009 +1 I agree, but these rankings typically look for one thing, and thing only: sacks. As apposed to what else? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darklight1216 Posted July 6, 2009 Share Posted July 6, 2009 As apposed to what else? In the case of T-Sizzle: versatilty, interceptions, and touchdowns. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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