NFL's Best OLB: Houston vs. Miller

[pugsnotdrugs19]

Got into a debate with a Donkey fan regarding this topic earlier this week, but I love it. I think it's one that can be argued both ways, but personally I take a healthy Houston every day over a healthy Miller. Place your vote and make your own case below.

Things to keep in mind:

Justin Houston career numbers:
- 64 starts
-56 sacks (2011: 5.5 in 10 starts, 2012: 10.0 in 16 starts, 2013: 11.0 in 11 starts, 2014: 22.0 in 16 starts, 2015: 7.5 in 10 games)
- 3 interceptions
- 25 passes defensed
- 8 forced fumbles/ 5 recoveries
- 1 touchdown (INT), 1 safety
- Hasn't been flagged for anything since the 2013 season


Von Miller career numbers:
- 72 starts
- 60 sacks (2011: 11.5 in 15 starts, 2012: 18.5 in 16 starts, 2013: 5.0 in 9 starts, 2014: 14.0 in 16 starts, 2015: 11.0 in 16 starts)
- 1 interception
- 10 passes defensed
- 17 forced fumbles/ 5 recoveries
- 1 touchdown (INT), 1 touchdown (fumble recovery), 0 safeties
- Consistently penalized, often for personal fouls

For me, considering the numbers..... I still take Houston. Statistically, I can argue he's been better in every phase of the game except for forcing fumbles. Miller does have the playoff success to attribute in his argument, but Houston of course didn't hardly play in this year's playoffs. Regardless, this a fun topic no matter the time of year. So, who do you take?

[TEX]

As much as I hated to do it - I voted for Miller. Participation is a big part of the grade. Two out of the past 3 seasons, Houston was a no show down the stretch, when he was needed the most. TOTAL FAIL. Yes, I know Miller missed virtually all of 214 and was hurt in the SB two years ago, BUT dude showed up BIG TIME THIS season when the cheating Donx absolutely had to have him. So, in my book, he gets the nod.

I also think Miller is a POS and a ME GUY - but he's one hell of a football player.

[Bambi]

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

As soon as I see Houston carry the team to a Super Bowl victory, I will vote for him.

This is impossible.

PGM has assured me Denver's defensive players only see success because of Peyton Manning.

[Pasta Little Brioni]

Originally Posted by Prison Bitch

Not even Houston would say something that absurd

Better all around player

[ThaVirus]

Originally Posted by Bowser

Both are elite. Houston is asked to do way more than Von is in the overall scheme. You can't go wrong with either guy, really.

I'd love to see a breakdown of how many times each just purely rush the passer per game. If Houston were to chase QB's as much as Von, his flashy sack stats would be way higher.

Hef is good for this kind of data.

IIRC, Miller rushes the passer on a significantly higher percentage of snaps than Houston.

[OldSchool]

Miller is much faster and more explosive and is better at turning the corner. He also shows up to play when the games are the biggest. Houston is MIA when it comes to that judging from their careers so far whether it be due to injuries and not being available or whatever.

Take Miller, at least he shows up.

[RunKC]

Originally Posted by OldSchool

Miller is much faster and more explosive and is better at turning the corner. He also shows up to play when the games are the biggest. Houston is MIA when it comes to that judging from their careers so far whether it be due to injuries and not being available or whatever.

Take Miller, at least he shows up.

I heard he did great in the SB vs Seattle.

[OldSchool]

Originally Posted by RunKC

I heard he did great in the SB vs Seattle.

Which one got SB MVP again? Was it Houston or Miller, I forget.

[OldSchool]

Let me rephrase that question. Was it Von Miller who sat out for the majority of a divisional playoff game because he felt a little uncomfortable with a knee brace or was it Justin Houston?

[srvy]

Houston

[pugsnotdrugs19]

Was watching Chiefs Replay tonight, the Denver game version... It showed the Peters' INT on that long post that was under thrown. Houston was largely responsible for many of their bad plays that day including the Peters INT. Forced Manning to sprint out and chuck it essentially on the run. Who am I kidding, he was wrecking their OL that whole day just going off those plays they showed. They even stated he had a total of 5 hurries in the first half. Plays like that are the ones that aren't in the stat sheet that make a big difference.

To those who said Houston has never taken over a game, I could even argue that one to be added to the list. It took me seeing this replay to realize, which has really highlighted his impact.

[lawrenceRaider]

Neither. I'll take Mack.

[Quesadilla Joe]

Originally Posted by Bowser

Both are elite. Houston is asked to do way more than Von is in the overall scheme. You can't go wrong with either guy, really.

I'd love to see a breakdown of how many times each just purely rush the passer per game. If Houston were to chase QB's as much as Von, his flashy sack stats would be way higher.

Going into the 2015 season Von had a sack, hit, or hurry every 5.9 pass rush snaps, Houston got a sack, hit, or hurry every 6.8 pass rush snaps.

[Quesadilla Joe]

Originally Posted by lawrenceRaider

Neither. I'll take Mack.

I bet you Mack wishes he could go against Michael Schofield every week, 1/3 of his sacks this season came against him. Schofield is a terrible player.

[BigMeatballDave]

Who is better in coverage?

I haven't watched Miller enough to know how he is in coverage.

Is he just a one trick pony?

[Quesadilla Joe]

Originally Posted by BigMeatballDave

Who is better in coverage?

I haven't watched Miller enough to know how he is in coverage.

Is he just a one trick pony?

He covered a WR in the Super Bowl and broke up the pass.



Also, Von covering Gronk in the AFCCG