They are. Absolutely. Stopping the run, setting the edge, collapsing the pocket and pressure all are much more valuable than sacks.
Yes Ivan a sack can change a game. I agree and should have written a sack doesn't always change a game. Pressures do, stopping the run does etc etc.... But you're right. A sack can change a game.
The defense has to work as a unit. Maintain the edges and control the LOS. If they can generate pressure and get a sack from that pressure great if it's only pressure they're still forcing the QB to throw the ball into dime or nickel coverage.
Maybe Freeney can do that but if he's just going after the QB without regards to the LOS or edge containment his 1 sack every two games are practically worthless. My concern with Freeney is that he simply rushes the QB.
Current Sack Leaders/ Defense rank (pts per game)
1.
DeMarcus Lawrence, DE DAL 11.5 (20th)
1.
Calais Campbell, DE JAX 11.5 (1st)
3.
Joey Bosa, DE LAC 10.5 (9th)
4.
Chandler Jones, LB ARI 10.0 (26th)
4.
Everson Griffen,DE MIN 10.0 (4th)
6
Yannick Ngakoue, DE JAX 9.0 (1st)
7
Melvin Ingram, LB LAC 8.5 (9th)
8
Adrian Clayborn, DE ATL 8.0 (13th)
Cameron Jordan, DE NO 8.0 (8th)
Von Miller, LB DEN 8.0 (28th)
Patriots' defense ranks 12th in the NFL and I don't think they have a sack leader in the top 50.
Btw: Jacksonville has a wicked defense. 1st in sacks, 1st in TO differential and 1st in pts per game allowed. Damn.
