Top Five NFL Pass Rushing Duos

[RamBill]

Top Five NFL Pass Rushing Duos

by Erik Lambert

http://nflmocks.com/2014/07/19/top-five-nfl-pass-rushing-duos/

Getting the quarterback on the ground in the NFL often takes more than one man to accomplish. So who are the best pass rushing duos in the league?

#5 – Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil

Thanks to a heady move by GM Ozzie Newsome the Baltimore Ravens were able to steal Elvis Dumervil away from the Denver Broncos last year. His pairing with Terrell Suggs proved a boon for the defense that had just lost Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. Together they combined for 19.5 sacks. However, both are over the age of 30, which limits their shelf life.

#4 – Cameron Jordan and Junior Galette

Rob Ryan was a big reason why the New Orleans Saints defense made such a remarkable turnaround on defense from 32nd in 2012 to 4th in 2013. It’s safe to say though that none of it would’ve been possible if he didn’t have Cameron Jordan and Junior Galette up front. Their combined 24.5 sacks was a huge boost last season and will remain the key for this group to continue flourishing.

#3 – Greg Hardy and Charles Johnson

Everything starts up front for the #2 Carolina Panthers defense and it is their two star defensive ends that lead the way. Greg Hardy has emerged as one of the best defensive ends in the NFL, notching 15 sacks by himself last season. Charles Johnson on the other side has remained a steady force for years, averaging double digit sacks since 2010. Neither is in any danger of losing steam, aside from Hardy’s recent arrest conviction.

#2 – Tamba Hali and Justin Houston

This tandem had 22 sacks in 2013. That might not sound like a lot, but when it’s pointed out that they missed a combined six games due to injury, it becomes very impressive. Tamba Hali has posted at least 11 sacks in three of the last four seasons while Justin Houston is becoming one of the best young rushers in the game, as evidenced by getting 11 last year in just 11 games.

#1 – Robert Quinn and Chris Long

At 27.5 sacks last season there is no question that Robert Quinn and Chris Long were a nightmare for opposing offenses. The St. Louis Rams duo is not only talented and still young, but also durable. Since joining forces in 2011 they have only missed a combined one game. That makes them the best NFL pass rushing duo in football.

New challengers in 2014

J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney

They haven’t even played a down together yet and already many NFL experts are putting the tandem of J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney near the top of the board. That is how much talent the Houston Texans have put together. Considering Watt is just 25-years old and Clowney is a rookie, it’s also one that has staying power.

Von Miller and Demarcus Ware

By itself the idea of pairing Von Miller and Demarcus Ware together is imposing, especially knowing they will be playing with a lot of leads for the Denver Broncos courtesy of Peyton Manning. However, it’s important to note that this isn’t the Ware of five years ago, and Miller is coming off a bad knee injury.

Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers

Age and injury is also a concern regarding new Green Bay Packers teammates Julius Peppers and Clay Matthews. On paper it looks like a frightening pair, and if they play near their customary levels it will be. Still, Matthews has missed 11 games with various injuries dating back to 2010 and Peppers is 34-years old. The Packers are counting on a lot of luck to make this work.

 

[Boffo97]

Once we get rid of that "new duos only" thing from the previous list, Long and Quinn take their rightful place.

 

[JackDRams]

How could he leave out Donald and Brockers in the New Challengers for 2014 List? Come on man.

 

[Rams and Gators]

Since joining forces in 2011 they have only missed a combined one game. That makes them the best NFL pass rushing duo in football.

Was that the infamous Ram Stalk "Quinn's not even dressed for the first game he's a bust, a bust I tell ye " game?

 

[Thordaddy]

How could he leave out Donald and Brockers in the New Challengers for 2014 List? Come on man.

No shit man we are gonna be scary good

 

[HometownBoy]

How could he leave out Donald and Brockers in the New Challengers for 2014 List? Come on man.

Because Brockers isn't a pass rusher, he's a run stopper and the knock on him coming out of college was that he was a pretty poor pass rusher, not to say he won't earn a few, but he's a run stopper first and foremost and is more to clogging up the middle than hitting the QB and that doesn't make for much of a pass rushing tandem.

 

[JackDRams]

Because Brockers isn't a pass rusher, he's a run stopper and the knock on him coming out of college was that he was a pretty poor pass rusher, not to say he won't earn a few, but he's a run stopper first and foremost and is more to clogging up the middle than hitting the QB and that doesn't make for much of a pass rushing tandem.

They wont put up DE sacks. But if Brockers can get his 5-6 sacks, and Donal gets 10 or so, which he's capable of. They should get some recognition as a duo. Not on this list, I dont think theirs a DT combo in the league that would be considered top 5 in a pass rushing list including DEs. But in a DT list, I don't see why these two beasts couldn't be top 5. Even if Brockers thing is clogging lanes. Quinn carried Long onto the DE list, no reason to believe Donald couldnt carry Brockers into a similar list about DTs.

 

[Thordaddy]

Because Brockers isn't a pass rusher, he's a run stopper and the knock on him coming out of college was that he was a pretty poor pass rusher, not to say he won't earn a few, but he's a run stopper first and foremost and is more to clogging up the middle than hitting the QB and that doesn't make for much of a pass rushing tandem.

Ybit IMO he gets a few "clean up sacks" just cuz the rest is so furious

 

[blue4]

I think they should wait until Clowney actually plays a snap before calling him a new challenger.

 

[HometownBoy]

They wont put up DE sacks. But if Brockers can get his 5-6 sacks, and Donal gets 10 or so, which he's capable of. They should get some recognition as a duo. Not on this list, I dont think theirs a DT combo in the league that would be considered top 5 in a pass rushing list including DEs. But in a DT list, I don't see why these two beasts couldn't be top 5. Even if Brockers thing is clogging lanes. Quinn carried Long onto the DE list, no reason to believe Donald couldnt carry Brockers into a similar list about DTs.

That's true, but with guys like Clowney and Watts, guys who can put up 20/25 in that range like you said they can't crack the list, but on a DT list yeah, I put them up there with anybody.

We take a top D-line list any day of the week.

 

[mr.stlouis]

Got it right!

 

[CGI_Ram]

This line is going to be FUN to watch!

 

[jjab360]

Nice to finally be getting respect even though our pass rush is pretty much the only thing we get respect for.