Quote:
Originally Posted by DJ's left nut
This was a stupid argument when it was made years ago as justification for dealing Jared Allen. It's a stupid argument now.
Virtually ALL pass-rushers get their sacks in bunches and a vast majority of those come against poor lineman. Miller had 6 games last year where he didn't get a sack; Houston had 3. And yes, 7 of Houston's sacks came in 2 games (Rams and Chargers) but the thing about those games is that Houston controlled those football games. So setting aside the fact that it means that Houston had 15 sacks on the season even if you take out his two best games (still more than Miller's 14), Houston's performance in those 2 games was enormous.
If you have a player like Houston or DT (or yes, even Miller) that is going to go out there 2 or 3 times a year and just put the opposition in a stranglehold, that's incredibly valuable. It's also how virtually all pass-rushers manifest their worth to a defense.
But again, I think the fact that Houston is also a premier coverage and run-support strong-side OLB is a feather in his cap rather than a knock against him as you keep trying to make it. Few players can get 22 sacks against a QB and hold their own in contain and coverage. Had they just put Houston in Hali's spot and sent him on kamikaze runs after the QB 80+% of the time, he'd have had more sacks. You note that he doesn't face premier LTs but ignore the fact that he had to operate on the strong side, dealing with a potential chip from the TE and more run responsibility. He took it in stride and was still an explosive pass-rusher.
Von's a year removed from his knee injury and playing essentially the same position as Houston is. We'll see what kind of impact he has. It will be pretty easily settled on the field.
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Excellent Post! Rep worthy!