Do You Really Need a Premier Pass-Rusher To Be Successful in the NFL?

May 23, 2010   ·   Mihir Bhagat   ·   Jump to comments

It’s no surprise that effectively putting pressure on the opposing team’s quarterback is an essential ingredient to success.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that every team needs to have their version of Lawrence Taylor.
If you take a look at the stingy defenses in recent history, it is evident that teams have found ways to generate a pass rush without having a single dominating force off the edge.
For example, last year, the Saints’ defensive coordinator, Gregg Williams, found ways to dial up creative blitzes that attacked the quarterback from various angles. Coincidentally, they ended up taking home the Lombardi Trophy.
Moreover, the Miami Dolphins didn’t have a single player register double-digit sacks. Nonetheless, they ranked tied for third best in the league, along with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers.
The 49ers, too, failed to have a sole player record gaudy numbers. In fact, their sack leader, Manny Lawson, onl...

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