Strahan passing torch to Allen, others *Merge*
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TheHustler
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Strahan passing torch to Allen, others
As Michael Strahan considers retirement, there is a changing of the pass-rushing guard. With Strahan potentially out of the picture, here's a look at the top-10 players who bring in the heat in the NFL:
1. Jared Allen, DE, Minnesota Vikings: Allen is the best pure pass-rusher in the NFL. That's why Minnesota gave up a ton (a first-round pick and two third-rounders) to get him in a trade from Kansas City last month.
Allen is a defense-changing talent and he's getting better. At 26, Allen is just entering his prime. Look at last season. Despite serving a two-game league suspension for violating the substance abuse policy, Allen led the league with 15½ sacks in 14 games.
He has an incredible motor and tries to get to the quarterback every play. Expect Allen to lead the league in sacks a few more times before his career is over. There is no doubt the Vikings just acquired the most dominant pass-rusher in the NFL.
2. Mario Williams, DE, Houston Texans: Williams will secure Charley Casserly's legacy. Casserly's last move as Houston's general manager was to take Williams over Reggie Bush in the 2006 draft. Casselry was hammered for the decision initially, and the criticism only intensified when Williams struggled as a rookie (4½ sacks).
But Williams came on strong last season and was dominant in the final month. His 14 sacks tied for third in the NFL. This high ranking for Williams might be considered a reach by many, but this is a player who has already figured out the NFL and will be dominant for the next several years.
3. Dwight Freeney, DE, Indianapolis Colts: Freeney missed most of last season with a foot injury, so it's easy to forget him. That would be a mistake.
This is a premier pass-rusher; a classic pass-rusher, really. He has great burst off the edge and is worth every penny of the $72 million the Colts gave him last season. Expect Freeney to bounce back this season and give the Colts' defense a major boost with his brilliant pass-rush presence.
4. Osi Umenyiora, DE, New York Giants: Umenyiora gives the Giants a security blanket if Strahan does retire. New York's defensive front is the primary reason New York shocked Tom Brady and the Patriots in the Super Bowl. Umenyiora is a major reason for the Giants' success.
He is a big, stout player who often simply outmuscles offensive tackles. The problem with Umenyiora is that he can occasionally disappear. We'll all remember his six-sack performance against Philadelphia last season. But Umenyiora added just seven sacks the rest of the season. He needs to become more consistent.
5. DeMarcus Ware, LB, Dallas Cowboys: Ware, who had 14 sacks last season, is a consistent pass-rusher. He's also a complete player. He often covers tight ends in some passing situations. Dallas is deep with pass-rushers with Greg Ellis and Anthony Spencer in addition to Ware, so it can afford to use Ware in other situations. Yet, when he's bringing the heat, few do it better.
6. Patrick Kerney, DE, Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks acquired Kerney last year after outlasting Denver in a free-agent bidding war. Seattle is very happy it did. Kerney has one of the best motors in the game. He simply never takes a play off.
Underrated as a run-stopper, Kerney is relentless in his pursuit of the quarterback on pass plays. He outworks his opponents and just wears them down. He was second behind Allen with 14½ sacks in 2007.
7. Shawne Merriman, LB, San Diego Chargers: Merriman has taken his shots in the wake of his steroid suspension and getting blown up by Jacksonville running back Maurice Jones-Drew last season. Still, this is a quality player. Merriman is a big talent and is a threat to take over a game at any time. Quarterbacks fear him.
8. Kyle Vanden Bosch, DE Tennessee Titans: Vanden Bosch has 31 sacks the past three seasons. He is a stout player who can be counted on to knock the quarterback on his back a few times a game.
9. Jason Taylor, DE, Miami Dolphins: Taylor is slipping down the list because of age. That's all. He is a fine player. Remember, he is a season removed from being the NFL's defensive player of the year. But Taylor turns 34 just before the start of the regular season, so time might be creeping up on this dancing star.
10. Aaron Kampman, DE, Green Bay Packers: This Pro Bowler is similar to Vanden Bosch. He is consistent and creates a lot of problems for opposing offensive lines.
The list of quality pass-rushers doesn't end here. Among the other players considered for this list include New England's Adalius Thomas, Philadelphia's Trent Cole, Green Bay's Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, Buffalo's Aaron Schobel, Oakland's Derrick Burgess, Denver's Elvis Dumervil, Washington's Andre Carter, the N.Y. Giants' Justin Tuck and Ellis.
Bill Williamson covers the NFL for ESPN.com
As Michael Strahan considers retirement, there is a changing of the pass-rushing guard. With Strahan potentially out of the picture, here's a look at the top-10 players who bring in the heat in the NFL:
1. Jared Allen, DE, Minnesota Vikings: Allen is the best pure pass-rusher in the NFL. That's why Minnesota gave up a ton (a first-round pick and two third-rounders) to get him in a trade from Kansas City last month.
Allen is a defense-changing talent and he's getting better. At 26, Allen is just entering his prime. Look at last season. Despite serving a two-game league suspension for violating the substance abuse policy, Allen led the league with 15½ sacks in 14 games.
He has an incredible motor and tries to get to the quarterback every play. Expect Allen to lead the league in sacks a few more times before his career is over. There is no doubt the Vikings just acquired the most dominant pass-rusher in the NFL.
2. Mario Williams, DE, Houston Texans: Williams will secure Charley Casserly's legacy. Casserly's last move as Houston's general manager was to take Williams over Reggie Bush in the 2006 draft. Casselry was hammered for the decision initially, and the criticism only intensified when Williams struggled as a rookie (4½ sacks).
But Williams came on strong last season and was dominant in the final month. His 14 sacks tied for third in the NFL. This high ranking for Williams might be considered a reach by many, but this is a player who has already figured out the NFL and will be dominant for the next several years.
3. Dwight Freeney, DE, Indianapolis Colts: Freeney missed most of last season with a foot injury, so it's easy to forget him. That would be a mistake.
This is a premier pass-rusher; a classic pass-rusher, really. He has great burst off the edge and is worth every penny of the $72 million the Colts gave him last season. Expect Freeney to bounce back this season and give the Colts' defense a major boost with his brilliant pass-rush presence.
4. Osi Umenyiora, DE, New York Giants: Umenyiora gives the Giants a security blanket if Strahan does retire. New York's defensive front is the primary reason New York shocked Tom Brady and the Patriots in the Super Bowl. Umenyiora is a major reason for the Giants' success.
He is a big, stout player who often simply outmuscles offensive tackles. The problem with Umenyiora is that he can occasionally disappear. We'll all remember his six-sack performance against Philadelphia last season. But Umenyiora added just seven sacks the rest of the season. He needs to become more consistent.
5. DeMarcus Ware, LB, Dallas Cowboys: Ware, who had 14 sacks last season, is a consistent pass-rusher. He's also a complete player. He often covers tight ends in some passing situations. Dallas is deep with pass-rushers with Greg Ellis and Anthony Spencer in addition to Ware, so it can afford to use Ware in other situations. Yet, when he's bringing the heat, few do it better.
6. Patrick Kerney, DE, Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks acquired Kerney last year after outlasting Denver in a free-agent bidding war. Seattle is very happy it did. Kerney has one of the best motors in the game. He simply never takes a play off.
Underrated as a run-stopper, Kerney is relentless in his pursuit of the quarterback on pass plays. He outworks his opponents and just wears them down. He was second behind Allen with 14½ sacks in 2007.
7. Shawne Merriman, LB, San Diego Chargers: Merriman has taken his shots in the wake of his steroid suspension and getting blown up by Jacksonville running back Maurice Jones-Drew last season. Still, this is a quality player. Merriman is a big talent and is a threat to take over a game at any time. Quarterbacks fear him.
8. Kyle Vanden Bosch, DE Tennessee Titans: Vanden Bosch has 31 sacks the past three seasons. He is a stout player who can be counted on to knock the quarterback on his back a few times a game.
9. Jason Taylor, DE, Miami Dolphins: Taylor is slipping down the list because of age. That's all. He is a fine player. Remember, he is a season removed from being the NFL's defensive player of the year. But Taylor turns 34 just before the start of the regular season, so time might be creeping up on this dancing star.
10. Aaron Kampman, DE, Green Bay Packers: This Pro Bowler is similar to Vanden Bosch. He is consistent and creates a lot of problems for opposing offensive lines.
The list of quality pass-rushers doesn't end here. Among the other players considered for this list include New England's Adalius Thomas, Philadelphia's Trent Cole, Green Bay's Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, Buffalo's Aaron Schobel, Oakland's Derrick Burgess, Denver's Elvis Dumervil, Washington's Andre Carter, the N.Y. Giants' Justin Tuck and Ellis.
Bill Williamson covers the NFL for ESPN.com
Bob Sacamano
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Ware should be at least 4th
but it's not a grievous error to put him at 5, cuz Freeney is a beast
but it's not a grievous error to put him at 5, cuz Freeney is a beast
theogt
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Sacks per Game Played
J. Allen............0.704918033
D. Ware..........0.697916667
D. Freeney.......0.681818182
M. Williams.......0.578125
O. Umenyiora....0.576388889
And Ware is, you know, a LINEBACKER, not a passrush specialist defensive end.
J. Allen............0.704918033
D. Ware..........0.697916667
D. Freeney.......0.681818182
M. Williams.......0.578125
O. Umenyiora....0.576388889
And Ware is, you know, a LINEBACKER, not a passrush specialist defensive end.
Tyronosaurus77
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Id say thats a pretty good list. Its got the right people Id just order them a bit different but its all good.
DallasDomination
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Osi over Ware= Credabilty out the window
Mario Williams over Ware= clean out your desk you are fired
Ware should be top 3 right now..And best potential out of all these guys. He's faster, stronger then all these guys.
Mario Williams over Ware= clean out your desk you are fired
Ware should be top 3 right now..And best potential out of all these guys. He's faster, stronger then all these guys.
JonCJG
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Going to add that Osi went 8 games without a sack. Also half of his sacks came in one game against a scrub.
Mario went 7 games without a sack.
Merriman went 9 games without a sack.
Ware went just 4 games without a sack.
Can you say consistency?
Mario went 7 games without a sack.
Merriman went 9 games without a sack.
Ware went just 4 games without a sack.
Can you say consistency?
SilverStarCowboy
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I thought Merroid would be ranked higher.
cowboysfan31
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Rampage;2087693 said:
Ware is too, but most of the time he's so fast the refs think he jumped early. Maybe one day people outside of Cowboys fan will realize just how quick he really is.
Dallas4ever
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Pretty fair list but the order could be debated. Hard to argue with Ware being anywhere in the top five.
dcfanatic
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Mario Williams has to come up with at least two seasons in a row of 10+ sacks before he is thrown into the top 10 pass rushers in the NFL.
Matt Mosley agrees with me. Here's his top ten list...
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/hashmarks
The Mosley list:
1. Jared Allen: Great idea to get rid of your best player, Carl.
2. Dwight Freeney: Bill, let's not drop the guy off the map because he suffered an injury. He deserves much better than No. 4. Freeney remains one of the most dynamic pass-rushers in the game. He's poised to have a huge season.
3. Shawne Merriman: We're dropping the guy to No. 7? I know he fell off a little bit last season, but I think that had to do more with a different defensive coordinator and nagging injuries. Still one of the most feared players in the game.
4. DeMarcus Ware: He's a better all-around player than Merriman, but he's not quite as good at rushing the passer. And yes, he's better than Umenyiora.
5. Osi Umenyiora: There's no shame in being No. 5. Umenyiora is a versatile defender who can take over games. But let's give Michael Strahan some credit for taking some of the heat off him.
6. Patrick Kerney: I can feel the Texans' fans anger starting to build. Listen, Kerney had a spectacular season. As long as you keep him off the snow at Lambeau, he's a game-changing player. If Strahan doesn't retire, he belongs in front of Kerney at No. 6.
7. Kyle Vanden Bosch: One of the most underrated players in the game. I love watching Vanden Bosch and Al Haynesworth playing next to each other. And he reads Hashmarks on a daily basis.
8. Mario Williams: This is not a shot at my state's lesser-known team. In fact, the Texans are one of my favorite franchises to cover. I just think Williams needs to do it for more than one season before we bump him up to No. 2.
9. Aaron Kampman: High-motor guy. The only thing keeping him down on the list is the fact that he sort of faded late last season. And I watched Marc Colombo eat his lunch in November.
10. Jason Taylor: Who knows how he'll do this season. But I don't think dancing with the gorgeous Edyta will slow him down at all. If Bill Parcells can get over himself and allow Taylor to be part of things, he'll finish with 10 sacks for the Dolphins.
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Mosley's list is much more realistic if you ask me.
Matt Mosley agrees with me. Here's his top ten list...
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/hashmarks
The Mosley list:
1. Jared Allen: Great idea to get rid of your best player, Carl.
2. Dwight Freeney: Bill, let's not drop the guy off the map because he suffered an injury. He deserves much better than No. 4. Freeney remains one of the most dynamic pass-rushers in the game. He's poised to have a huge season.
3. Shawne Merriman: We're dropping the guy to No. 7? I know he fell off a little bit last season, but I think that had to do more with a different defensive coordinator and nagging injuries. Still one of the most feared players in the game.
4. DeMarcus Ware: He's a better all-around player than Merriman, but he's not quite as good at rushing the passer. And yes, he's better than Umenyiora.
5. Osi Umenyiora: There's no shame in being No. 5. Umenyiora is a versatile defender who can take over games. But let's give Michael Strahan some credit for taking some of the heat off him.
6. Patrick Kerney: I can feel the Texans' fans anger starting to build. Listen, Kerney had a spectacular season. As long as you keep him off the snow at Lambeau, he's a game-changing player. If Strahan doesn't retire, he belongs in front of Kerney at No. 6.
7. Kyle Vanden Bosch: One of the most underrated players in the game. I love watching Vanden Bosch and Al Haynesworth playing next to each other. And he reads Hashmarks on a daily basis.
8. Mario Williams: This is not a shot at my state's lesser-known team. In fact, the Texans are one of my favorite franchises to cover. I just think Williams needs to do it for more than one season before we bump him up to No. 2.
9. Aaron Kampman: High-motor guy. The only thing keeping him down on the list is the fact that he sort of faded late last season. And I watched Marc Colombo eat his lunch in November.
10. Jason Taylor: Who knows how he'll do this season. But I don't think dancing with the gorgeous Edyta will slow him down at all. If Bill Parcells can get over himself and allow Taylor to be part of things, he'll finish with 10 sacks for the Dolphins.
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Mosley's list is much more realistic if you ask me.
Cowboysfan22
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He should be atleast second or third because he doesn't even play on the line most of the time.