TEK2000 Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 Albert the greatest on this list of NFL's top defensive tackles By Bucky Brooks | NFL.com Analyst GO HERE TO SEE VIDEO: http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d81111f38&template=without-video-with-comments&confirm=true In a league where defenses are constructed under the premise of being strong up the middle, the tackle position has become the most pivotal spot on the defensive side of the ball. Although defensive tackles come in various shapes and sizes, the elite players at the position possess a multi-faceted set of skills that allows them to function effectively as run or pass defenders. As the point men in the center of the defense, they are expected to dominate the running game by providing consistent penetration up the middle. Though they are often forced to fight off double teams, dominant defensive tackles are able to control the line of scrimmage while defeating multiple blockers on the way to the ball carrier. These one-man wrecking crews not only dominate on their own accord, but their presence creates opportunities for their teammates to flow unobstructed to the ball. As pass rushers, elite defensive tackles may not tally double-digit sack totals, but their ability to push the pocket disturbs the rhythm and timing of the passing game. While some are most effective when used on the move as part of a stunt or game, others have the brute strength to overwhelm blockers on bull rushes. Regardless of their style, defensive tackles with superior pass-rushing skills have the capacity to take over a game with their penetration. With those traits in mind, here's one man's look at the five best defensive tackles in the league: 1. Albert Haynesworth, Redskins The league's most dominant defensive player the past two seasons has terrorized opponents with an unrivaled combination of strength and power. The two-time Pro Bowler single-handedly snuffs out running games while also serving as an intimidating presence as a pass rusher. Haynesworth, who signed a seven-year, $100 million deal with the Redskins this offseason, has tallied 14.5 sacks over the past two years and was the driving force behind the Titans' emergence as a top defensive unit. 2. Kevin Williams, Vikings The four-time Pro Bowler is a dynamic interior rusher with outstanding strength and quickness. Though he is routinely recognized for his run-stopping skills, he's considered by many as the league's best pass rusher at the position. Williams has amassed 42.5 sacks in his career, including 8.5 last season. 3. Haloti Ngata, Ravens The hulking interior defender has flown under the radar on the national scene, but insiders rate the Ravens' star as one of the best players at the position. As an athletic run-stopper with exceptional power, Ngata anchors an impenetrable defense that has not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 35 consecutive games. 4. Kris Jenkins, Jets The eight-year veteran reclaimed his spot among the elite with his dominant performance in his first season in New York. Although Jenkins shifted from his customary position as a "three-technique" in a 4-3 scheme to nose tackle in the Jets' 3-4 defense, he proved to be an immovable force at the point of attack. With few interior offensive linemen capable of blocking the behemoth, the Jets' rush defense ranked as the league's seventh-best unit last season after finishing 29th in 2007. 5. Darnell Dockett, Cardinals The sixth-year pro enjoyed a coming-out party in February, registering three sacks against the Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII. The ultra-athletic interior rusher has the ability to win with quickness or power on the inside. Though he fails to play to his potential consistently, few defensive tackles are capable of taking over a game like Dockett, which makes his inclusion on this list mandatory. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darklight1216 Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 Haloti Ngata!!! Funny how the top defense doesn't have a top five defensive tackle.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HRNY4ZRNY Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 We are gonna need a nickname for our D this year. They are going to be special. I guess a nickname will just happen naturally though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ACW Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 We are gonna need a nickname for our D this year. They are going to be special. I guess a nickname will just happen naturally though.The Super Bowl-winning D? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bulldog Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 Kris Jenkins? I remember him having a strong first half and then fading down the stretch just as Brett Favre did with the Jets. So much for their attempts to buy a winner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terrifNick21 Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 Something positive about a Redskin?!?! NO way!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IbleedBnG83 Posted July 3, 2009 Share Posted July 3, 2009 I think Ngata should be above Williams Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SIXX99 Posted July 3, 2009 Share Posted July 3, 2009 I really hope that Haynesworth is worth what we spent on him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rskins91 Posted July 3, 2009 Share Posted July 3, 2009 Haloti Ngata!!!Funny how the top defense doesn't have a top five defensive tackle.... I assume by top defense you're talking about the Steelers, and with that notion, I think it's stupid for this guy to leave Casey Hampton off the list considering he's a good an anchor as any player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Califan007 The Constipated Posted July 3, 2009 Share Posted July 3, 2009 I really hope that Haynesworth is worth what we spent on him. I don't give a rat's ass what we spent on him lol...I only hope he keeps playing the way everyone keeps describing him ("terrorized opponents", "an unrivaled combination of strength and power", "single-handedly snuffs out running games", "intimidating presence as a pass rusher"). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SIXX99 Posted July 3, 2009 Share Posted July 3, 2009 I don't give a rat's ass what we spent on him lol...I only hope he keeps playing the way everyone keeps describing him ("terrorized opponents", "an unrivaled combination of strength and power", "single-handedly snuffs out running games", "intimidating presence as a pass rusher"). Thats what I meant, I just didn't know how to put it in to words. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darklight1216 Posted July 3, 2009 Share Posted July 3, 2009 I think Ngata should be above Williams I can agree with that lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muzzah Posted July 3, 2009 Share Posted July 3, 2009 We are gonna need a nickname for our D this year. They are going to be special. I guess a nickname will just happen naturally though. Red or Dead? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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