QB Pressure: Defensive Linemen Vs. Linebackers

January 10, 2010   ·   Austin Reinsch   ·   Jump to comments

In the NFL today, pressuring the quarterback is one of the most important things a defense can do. Getting a sack, deflecting a ball, forcing an early pass can all lead to a change of possession or swing the momentum in your favor.
Getting to the quarterback is a job that requires perfect execution. Using the right move or sending the blitz through a specific gap can give the defense the advantage.
Because timing is crucial to a sack, defensive backs will rarely get the opportunity. So the pressuring is left to the defensive line and linebackers. While each are vital to the play, which position is more likely to be successful and, therefore, more dangerous?
Defensive Line —The line is where the most physical part of the game is. Therefore, linemen are usually bigger and stronger than the rest of the team. While strength is valuable, the offensive line has it too, and the loss of speed can hurt.
Almost all sacks by the defensive line are from the Ends. They are typ...

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