DC: Matchups: Smith gets another tough test with Peppers

[jobberone]

Matchups: Smith Gets Another Tough Test With Peppers
Posted 3 minutes ago

Bryan Broaddus
Football Analyst/Scout
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Cowboys OT Tyron Smith vs. Bears DE Julius Peppers

There has plenty of talk of Tyron Smith and the type of season that he is currently having. Some are asking, if he is playing at a Pro Bowl level? Smith has been outstanding and he has taken his game to a higher level and become more of a complete player. All season he has taken on the best of the opponents defensive ends and carried himself well. This will be another opportunity to handle one of the league’s best in Julius Peppers on the national stage.

It is games like these that get you noticed around the league when everyone is sitting down watching. Smith has the perfect make up to handle Peppers and the way he plays. Both are very athletic and have length to their games. Would not call Peppers a relentless rusher but Smith will need to find ways to finish blocks on him because there will be two or three plays where you don’t finish the job and he is hurting your quarterback. I expect Smith to attack Peppers from the jump, because you can’t allow him to get going. If Peppers is feeling it that day, he can be a handful to deal with. If you wait on him to rush, he is going to take advantage of you.

For such a long player, he can make himself small really quick and not give you much to hit. Smith has the feet to counter his movement and that is really important when you are facing him. Look for Tyron Smith to take the fight to Julius Peppers and see if he will respond.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/a...Peppers-/a877655f-e8dc-437c-a523-963667c583e0

 

[AbeBeta]

This is the sort of matchup that would lead a few positive words from John Madden -- back in the day, that was the stamp your ticket needed to make the pro bowl.

 

[Nation]

Peppers has been a monster lately. In the past 4 games he has 5 sacks, 2 QB hits, 12 QB Hurries, and 2 passes batted down.

 

[TTexasTT]

Peppers is a monster but at their current stages in their careers I think Smith will win this matchup. Wont exactly be a cake walk though.

 

[Bullflop]

In normal circumstances, with a very good DE facing the same quality of OT, it usually becomes a standoff. Suffice it to say this isn't written in stone or anything of the sort but it's surely what I'd like to hang my hat on.

 

[jobberone]

Peppers is running about at the 50% mark for 4-3 DEs but has 32 hurries with 6 sacks and 4 hits. So he's not tearing it up. He can be a streaky player though. I don't see Smith have a huge problem with him. Quinn has 61 pressures and Ware has 39 for comparison and they are in the top ten with Quinn #1. Smith has given up 28 pressures and 1 sack. Free has given up 33 pressures but 6 sacks. Chi has had 26 sacks, 28 hits, and 108 hurries. The Cowboys have given up 21 sacks, 15 hits, and 106 hurries. Peppers is at the top of the heap in Chi but no one there is having a huge year.

 

[jobberone]

Peppers has been a monster lately. In the past 4 games he has 5 sacks, 2 QB hits, 12 QB Hurries, and 2 passes batted down.

I have him with 3 sacks, 3 hits and 8 hurries the last 4 games. Good either way.