Not long after our Pass Rushing Productivity feature went out, I was doing my usual daily reading and saw ESPN’s always readable – though sometimes anti-Larry Fitzgerald (I kid) – Paul Kuharsky pose the question: “Who’s the best blitzing DB in the NFL?”
Yes! An article that practically writes itself. You see, here at Pro Football Focus, we chart every blitz by every defensive back on every passing play, so you don’t have to. It means we can present this information, for the purest of pure fans, in a simple feature.
Aren’t we great?
Whether you agree, disagree or you chose to ignore that last statement, here’s our deal with this look at blitzing defensive backs: they needed to have rushed the quarterback at least 30 times during the season. That buys them a ticket to this dance, and whether they get to cut some shapes with the prettiest gal is all down to what kind of pressure they were able to bring.
To be clear, as opposed to our Pass Rushing Productivity study, the QB disruptions discussed here are unweighted. Judging all forms equally – sacks, hits, and pressures are simply totaled.
Before we get to the table, here are 10 things we’ve learned from this exercise:
1.)Eric Berry can do it all – remember that performance in the playoffs where he was all over the field? Be sure to include this on his list: his turning 34.29% of his blitzes into some form of pressure led the league.
2.)O.J. Atogwe is going to be the deep safety complement to Laron Landry? Well, rather interestingly, Atogwe turned 25.81% of his blitzes into pressure while Landry was behind at 22.81%.
3.) If you’re a Cardinal fan, you’d like to see the guy who rushed the QB 95 times getting a higher percentage of pressure than the guy who rushed the QB just 34 times. Didn’t work out that way: Kerry Rhodes got pressure on 23.53% of his pass rushing chances to the 14.74% of Adrian Wilson.
4.) No other defensive back rushed the QB more than Charles Woodson (though it should be noted these stats do include his post season numbers.) With fewer attempts, Antrel Rolle and Roman Harper matched his total of 17 quarterback disruptions.
5.) The Raiders are much better off when sending Tyvon Branch (8th overall) than Michael Mitchell (49th out of these 49), but Michael Huff, who just missed the blitz-count cut-off to qualify here, outdid them both.
6.) The Jets are known for their blitzing backs, but only one of them finished in the top 15 (Drew Coleman at 12th.) Conversely, they had four defensive backs in the bottom 15.
7.) No sacks for Ronde Barber, but he still brings the heat when blitzing from the slot. He was 5th overall, generating pressure on 25.49% of his blitzes.
8.)Kyle Arrington rushed the QB 33 times … 26 of these came with him lined up as a defensive end.
9.) We’re big fans of Quintin Mikell in coverage and run support, but he’d do his profile some good by turning his blitzes into more pressure than the 9.43% he managed in his 53 opportunities.
10.) If one defensive back blitz stuck in the memory it was Troy Polamalu against the Ravens as he strip sacked Joe Flacco. Other than that, Polamalu put forth a modest effort, converting 21.21% of his blitzes into pressure – less than his Steelers teammate, William Gay (21.74%.)
Enjoy the numbers.
2010's Best Blitzing Defensive Backs
RankPlayer TeamBlitzes Total QB Disruptions Pressure %
I will take Charles Woodsons any day over Moores numbers.
BTW Dawkins plays for the Donkeys, not philly.
Why does that not surprise me?
yeah, a younger healthier Charles Woodson. but right NOW?... HELL NO. with Moore having PLENTY of room to continue developing/Improve.... add the age factor in, and your looking at one hell of a nickel player for several years.
Do you remember the Redskins Game? Poor Quality vid, but plays like this are what we have to look forward to.
Moore get's the ball rolling with Pressure on the QB. Pep for the tip, and Moore finishes what he started 54 yards later with a TD
yeah, a younger healthier Charles Woodson. but right NOW?... HELL NO. with Moore having PLENTY of room to continue developing/Improve.... add the age factor in, and your looking at one hell of a nickel player for several years.
Do you remember the Redskins Game? Poor Quality vid, but plays like this are what we have to look forward to.
Moore get's the ball rolling with Pressure on the QB. Pep for the tip, and Moore finishes what he started 54 yards later with a TD
Woodson is a play maker we could have used on our secondary. I can't tell you how many times he he stuffed a RB or made a huge play that prevented a score. Even at his age he is far better than any player we have on our secondary.
I thought D.J. Moore played well but thought he faded a bit late in the season and didn't really hear his name in the playoffs all that much.
by the same token, pep's name didn't get called a whole lot either, but we all know he was still doing his job, and making plays. Same with DJ. if he's locking down his guy in pass coverage, or getting in someone's face.
keep in mind he's still young. plenty of room to go up for this kid.
During the games I did watch last season I had the impression that D J Moore was one of the best nickle blitzer's we've had in a while. Nice to see the actual numbers comparison of the guys who are known for it. 4th I'll disagree with you. Woodson is a great player but his days are beginning to draw to a close just like Dawkins.
Although Woodson may be a better overall playmaker right now it's obvious that his numerous blitz's are less productive than Moore's and Moore also has the advantage of having most of his career ahead of him not behind him. For our purposes Moore does what we need him to do.
by the same token, pep's name didn't get called a whole lot either, but we all know he was still doing his job, and making plays. Same with DJ. if he's locking down his guy in pass coverage, or getting in someone's face.
keep in mind he's still young. plenty of room to go up for this kid.
Very true but HUGE difference between the two. What I was basically referring to is being in on plays.
Arguing on the internet is like winning the special olympics, even if you win your still messed up.
I thought D.J. Moore played well but thought he faded a bit late in the season and didn't really hear his name in the playoffs all that much.
He did play well and sometimes, esp at nickle, hard to tell the game w/o really looking at the film, if based on team he' in coverage( AND NOT blitzing) and coering well, you will not see him alot. Do think he may have hit a little of a wall, but as it was his first season strting at nickle, that is expected, like his upside though
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Originally Posted by 4th and 26 
Restore the roar!
